"All" Were at the Party Does Not Mean the Whole World Was There

The word "all" (not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance) is conditioned by its context. For example:

Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

The same Greek word translated as "all" is in this verse. Is it true that all the world was taxed by Caesar? Meaning every single person in all the nations of the world? No. That's not true. But the verse plainly says, "all the world should be taxed".

How then is it not true? Is the Bible incorrect? No, the Bible is never incorrect. Only we must allow the Bible to define its own words. The reference to "all" the world means all the Roman world. All the nations under the power of Rome. It’s very clear. It’s an obvious meaning.

We do the same thing in our modern language. "Who was at the party last night? Was everyone there? Yes, they were all there." Do we mean all people in the world were there? No. Nor do we mean everyone in the country. Nor everyone in the state. Nor city. But, we mean everyone in our friend circle. The word "all" is conditioned by its context.

Likewise, when God speaks of not being willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance – the context for the statement is the entire Bible. And all that the Bible says must be factored in before we are able to define exactly who the "all" is referring to.

And since God speaks of many people of the world perishing – but none of His chosen (elect) people perishing – we soon realize that the "all" whom God is not willing should perish is referring to all the elect. We now have harmony and good understanding with the whole Bible. As our conclusion of all the elect maintains God's power and strength to do His will as He so pleases. Perfect fit with all Scripture.