Romans 9:1-29 God's People, God's Choice

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, ...” Rom 9:15

If Romans could be illustrated as a “roller coaster”, I would describe chapters 1-3 as a long descent, chapters 4-5 as a beautiful ascent, chapters 6-8 as exciting with some twists and turns and chapter 9 as the “corkscrew”. Chapter 9 is the subject of many books and debates between theologians through the centuries. Let me share my observations and let the debates begin!

Paul has 2 primary things he is addressing in Romans 9. First, Paul brought up a truth at the end of chapter 8 that was surprising and needed further elaboration. In Romans 8:29, Paul presents justification as an act of God apart from any act of man. If God foreknew you, then He predestined you, called you, justified you and glorified you. You can be certain that if He foreknew you, you will be glorified and everything in between. Second, Paul was ever dealing with the “problem” in the Jewish mind of Gentiles being considered the people of God. This seemed to diminish Jewish specialness.

Paul begins by establishing his credibility in discussing the Jews. He is not an anti-Semite. He lays bare the extreme passion he has for Israel (i.e. the Jewish people). He presents his own Jewish roots. He explains the age old privileges of being Jews.

Then he explains that the people of God are not established by genetics and ancestry…rather, God chooses who will be His people. Of Abraham’s 2 boys, he chose Isaac for the promises. Of Isaac’s twins while still in their mother’s womb, God chose to love one (Jacob) and hate the other (Esau). God made this choice before these twins ever expressed any desires or performed any deeds. His choices were and are independent and purposeful.

The question that arises in most minds is “Isn’t this unfair?” “How can God judge us if He chooses who will be His people?” The answer is “Who are you to be questioning God?” You must accept it by faith, that God is never unfair or unjust and His choice of who will be His people is never unfair or unjust. Does this answer all the questions? No…but I know enough about God from the rest of the Bible to know that He is just and fair and I will view all mysteries involving God through that lense.

For those who may accuse Paul of coming up with something new, he goes to the Jewish Scriptures to Hosea to show God choosing people who are not His people (Gentiles) to be His people. He shows from Isaiah that though the Israelites are as numerous as the sea only a chosen remnant would be saved.

How do I deal with these truths? In the same context that Paul presents them. We have been justified, transformed and presented truth to perfect our conduct. Nevertheless, we groan because we are imperfect and still sin. However, God has made choices that involve you and despite your present imperfections, you can be full of peace. You have a predetermined destiny to become Christ-like. You are securely heaven bound. Only someone greater than God can change this!