Romans 9 is a foundational passage to understanding the doctrine of election — a doctrine that has stirred hearts and sparked debates for centuries. Here, the Apostle Paul does not introduce new theological concepts but rather expounds on the longstanding truths of God’s sovereign choice in salvation. This is particularly focused on the historical and spiritual journey of Israel, whom Paul passionately identifies as his people. Paul’s discourse in Romans 9 is deeply rooted in the character of God, emphasizing His sovereign, unmerited choice in calling individuals to salvation. As we dive into this chapter, it is crucial to recognize that Paul’s intent is to uphold and magnify the steadfast character of God — His justice, mercy, and unwavering commitment to His promises.
Romans 9 does not present a “new” doctrine but clarifies and affirms the doctrine of election as an integral part of Christian theology. Here, Paul wrestles with the implications of God’s sovereign choice, aiming to bring clarity to the often-misunderstood verses at the tail end of Romans 8, which speak of God’s foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification of believers.
Before diving deeper, we must set some necessary guardrails to keep our theological discussion aligned with scriptural truth. On one side, we must steer clear of theological determinism and fatalism, where human agency is undervalued or ignored. On the opposite side, we must avoid extreme free will theories like Pelagianism, which overemphasize human ability apart from divine grace. It is essential to approach these doctrines with humility and reverence, acknowledging our limited understanding compared to the infinite wisdom of God.
1. Let Paul’s Anguish Bring About Anguish in You Over Lostness
As we delve deeper into Romans 9, the apostle Paul’s approach to the doctrine of election is profoundly personal and charged with emotion. He begins not with cold theological discourse but with a heart-wrenching expression of anguish over the lostness of his own people, Israel. This anguish is not just a fleeting sadness; it is a profound, soul-deep sorrow for those who have not accepted Christ as the Messiah. Paul’s distress stems from a deeply personal space — his spiritual and communal ties with his fellow Jews. Despite their shared heritage and the divine privileges they enjoyed, many remained unreconciled to God through Christ. This reality brings Paul not only to grief but to a relentless advocacy for their salvation.
This section of Romans is a vivid reminder of the burden Paul carries for his kinsmen. His grief is so intense that it mirrors the anguish of Christ Himself, who, upon seeing the crowds, felt compassion for them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Paul’s pain is amplified by the knowledge that many of his own people, entrusted with the Word of God, are blind to the fulfillment of those scriptures in Jesus.
Here, Paul’s sorrow serves as a powerful lesson for us. It encourages us to reflect on our own perspectives toward the unsaved. When was the last time our hearts were truly burdened for those who do not know Christ? Have we experienced deep sorrow or shed tears over the eternal destiny of our friends, family, or even strangers? Paul’s example challenges us to not only understand election as a theological concept but to feel its weight in the very core of our being. Let Paul’s example stir in us an anguish for the lost.
As we explore the doctrine of election further, let us do so with a heart that echoes Paul’s — a heart that yearns desperately for others to come to know the liberating truth of the gospel. This grief and concern for the lost should not immobilize us but rather propel us into action — praying fervently, witnessing boldly, and living authentically as followers of Christ. May Paul’s anguish awaken in us a renewed urgency to see the lost brought into God’s eternal family.
2. Paul Defends God’s Faithfulness and Divine Choice
In Romans 9, Paul then begins to defend God’s faithfulness and His sovereign right to choose, addressing some of the most complex and debated issues within Christian theology. Paul confronts head-on the accusation that God’s selection of some and not others might imply His unfaithfulness to the promises made to Israel. This is a misunderstanding of God’s covenant, which was never about the physical descent from Abraham but about being part of the spiritual lineage through faith in Christ. To illustrate, Paul points to the patriarchs: not all descendants are part of the promise — this distinction is crucial. It is not about ethnic lineage but about being part of the faith lineage that traces back to Abraham.
Paul explains this by recounting the narrative of Abraham’s descendants, particularly focusing on Isaac and Ishmael, and later, Jacob and Esau. These stories are pivotal in demonstrating that God’s choice is based on His purposes and promises, not human merit or action. For instance, Isaac, not Ishmael, was chosen to carry forward the Abrahamic covenant, not because of personal superiority but because God elected him for His purposes. Similarly, Jacob was chosen over Esau, even before their births and independent of their actions, to highlight that God’s choice is sovereign and free from human works. Paul uses their story to illustrate that God’s choosing is not arbitrary but purposeful — intending to create a people through whom the world would be blessed. It is important to understand that when Paul speaks of God “hating” Esau, he is using a Semitic expression to indicate preference for His divine choice, not emotional disdain.
Paul’s argument centers on the idea that God’s ways are not unjust but are beyond human comprehension. He is defending God’s right to elect according to His merciful character, not based on human expectations or actions. However, divine choice does not negate human responsibility; rather, it highlights the majesty of God’s sovereign will in the salvation narrative. Paul uses these illustrations to preemptively silence the human objections that might arise from a misunderstanding of God’s sovereign election. He asserts that the Creator has full rights over His creation.
Paul encourages believers to view God’s sovereign choice not as a cause for dispute or resentment but as an opportunity to marvel at the depth and mystery of God’s perfect will. As we grapple with these profound truths, we are reminded to approach them with humility and reverence, acknowledging our limited understanding while trusting in the perfect wisdom and justice of God.
3. Receive God’s Choice, Not as Injustice, But as Mercy
In Romans 9:14-29, Paul counters the potential accusation that God’s election somehow implies He is unjust. He firmly rejects this by stating, “It is impossible for God to be unjust because He is God, and God is just and merciful.” This foundational truth is crucial; it reminds us that our human logic often falls short in comprehending divine realities. Paul encourages believers to trust in God’s character and His ways, even when our finite understanding cannot grasp His infinite wisdom.
This trust is grounded in the nature of God, who is perfect in all His attributes — knowledge, wisdom, power, justice, mercy, and love. Because of this perfection, His choices are also perfect, even if they defy human logic or seem counterintuitive to our limited perspectives. Paul challenges us with a rhetorical question: “Who are we to talk back to God?” Paul uses the example of Pharaoh to illustrate how God’s hardening of hearts serves a greater purpose in His divine plan. It is a complex combination of divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where Pharaoh’s heart becomes progressively hardened — not as an act of divine cruelty, but as a manifestation of divine justice, allowing Pharaoh to fully embody his own choices while still accomplishing God’s purposes.
Paul’s discourse is not only doctrinal but deeply pastoral. He urges believers to receive God’s sovereign election not as a cause for existential dread but as a profound expression of divine mercy. It is a call to humility, to recognize our place before an all-knowing, all-powerful God whose decisions are ultimately aimed at the redemption and restoration of His creation. By framing election within the context of mercy, Paul is not presenting a cold, deterministic universe but a redemptive reality orchestrated by a God who is both just and the justifier. This perspective does not simplify the mystery but invites us into a deeper worship and awe of God who is both beyond our understanding and intimately involved in the details of our redemption.
As we contemplate God’s sovereign choices, let us do so with a spirit of humility and gratitude, acknowledging that His mercy extends beyond our understanding, and His justice is not without compassionate wisdom.
