God’s Purpose of Election, Part 3 (Rom 9.:30-10:4)

Michiana Covenant Presbyterian Church

[Sung Psalm: 74]Paul speaks boldly in Romans 8 of how nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.But while many Jews have believed, most have not. How can you say, Paul, that nothing can separate us from the love of God, when God has obviously rejected the majority of his own people!Romans 9 is Paul's answer to that question. In verses 6-13 Paul shows from the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, that election is based on God's call – not our works. There is no guarantee based on physical descent.Paul understands that this will shock some people, and so he asks, "is God unjust?" Is it fair for God to choose one twin and reject the other? Paul shows from the Exodus that election is based in God's mercy – not our efforts. And Paul says clearly that God hardens some – and has mercy on others.Of course, Paul understands that this doesn't make it any easier! You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?" You might think that Paul would try to help his poor readers. But he refuses to soften the blow: "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'"God is sovereign. He does with his creation what he has determined. And so Paul demonstrates from Hosea and Isaiah that God's purpose for Israel was only to save a remnant. God has made known the riches of his glory to the vessels of his mercy prepared beforehand for glory – both from the Jews and the Gentiles. But he has endured with patience the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.Now, starting in chapter 9, verse 30, Paul explains how this all fits together...