Romans 9
Today's Passage: Romans 9
One of the most famous messages ever preached is called “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This message by Jonathan Edwards is credited as the catalyst for the First Great Awakening. Far from the fluffy, feel good, positivity we hear in many messages today, Edward’s message vividly captured the realities of Hell and judgment facing those who die without faith in Christ.
Understanding the coming judgment, Paul lamented in Romans 9, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh… Why? Because [Israel] did not pursue [the Law] by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone.”
Paul has spent eight chapters shredding the poor theology of both the Jews and Gentiles in Rome squabbling about insignificant quarrels. Paul taught that although salvation has come through the Jews (Abraham to Jesus), Christ fulfilled the Law providing salvation for all people by grace through faith. Paul showed both groups how they are united in their condemnation under sin (Rom. 3:23), but that God provided salvation through Christ (Rom 5:1). Grace isn’t a free pass to do whatever we want (Rom 6:1). The Christian life is one of fighting sin (Rom 7:17–20). However, God has given us the most incredible gift of the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness (Rom 8:26) and seals us to the day of redemption (Rom 8:31–39).
But, if all that Paul has taught in the first eight chapters is true, Israel has a big problem. Israel cannot be saved either because they are Israelites or because they keep the Law perfectly. Apart from Christ, they are doomed to eternity in Hell. Paul makes an important point—none of this means that God’s Word failed in any way (9:6)—the prophet Isaiah declared this very thing, that only a remnant will be saved (9:27).
God did not pull a cosmic bait and switch with Israel. It is Israel who misunderstood the revelation of God. God made salvation possible. However, it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Mercy seems unkind when offered to those who think they don’t need it and unfair when given to those who don’t deserve it. Yet, God brought salvation to the whole world through Israel. Israel should have been the first to receive the Gospel, but they did not—only individual Israelites did (i.e. the remnant). That doesn’t mean God’s work is done. In the next few chapters, we read all that God will continue to do through Israel.
So how do we apply this passage? I think the primary two ways is to, first and foremost, worship the God who saves. Romans 9 illustrates the plans and provision for salvation through all of biblical history. 2,000 years of God’s divine orchestration.
Secondly, I think it is right for us to share in the burden that Paul has for the lost. There is a lot of emotional language throughout chapter 9, but none more-so than the opening as we read Paul’s burden for his kinsmen.
What about you? Share in the comments what stood out to you in this passage and what you’re going to do about it.
Written By: Tyler Short
One of the most famous messages ever preached is called “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This message by Jonathan Edwards is credited as the catalyst for the First Great Awakening. Far from the fluffy, feel good, positivity we hear in many messages today, Edward’s message vividly captured the realities of Hell and judgment facing those who die without faith in Christ.
Understanding the coming judgment, Paul lamented in Romans 9, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh… Why? Because [Israel] did not pursue [the Law] by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone.”
Paul has spent eight chapters shredding the poor theology of both the Jews and Gentiles in Rome squabbling about insignificant quarrels. Paul taught that although salvation has come through the Jews (Abraham to Jesus), Christ fulfilled the Law providing salvation for all people by grace through faith. Paul showed both groups how they are united in their condemnation under sin (Rom. 3:23), but that God provided salvation through Christ (Rom 5:1). Grace isn’t a free pass to do whatever we want (Rom 6:1). The Christian life is one of fighting sin (Rom 7:17–20). However, God has given us the most incredible gift of the Holy Spirit who helps us in our weakness (Rom 8:26) and seals us to the day of redemption (Rom 8:31–39).
But, if all that Paul has taught in the first eight chapters is true, Israel has a big problem. Israel cannot be saved either because they are Israelites or because they keep the Law perfectly. Apart from Christ, they are doomed to eternity in Hell. Paul makes an important point—none of this means that God’s Word failed in any way (9:6)—the prophet Isaiah declared this very thing, that only a remnant will be saved (9:27).
God did not pull a cosmic bait and switch with Israel. It is Israel who misunderstood the revelation of God. God made salvation possible. However, it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. Mercy seems unkind when offered to those who think they don’t need it and unfair when given to those who don’t deserve it. Yet, God brought salvation to the whole world through Israel. Israel should have been the first to receive the Gospel, but they did not—only individual Israelites did (i.e. the remnant). That doesn’t mean God’s work is done. In the next few chapters, we read all that God will continue to do through Israel.
So how do we apply this passage? I think the primary two ways is to, first and foremost, worship the God who saves. Romans 9 illustrates the plans and provision for salvation through all of biblical history. 2,000 years of God’s divine orchestration.
Secondly, I think it is right for us to share in the burden that Paul has for the lost. There is a lot of emotional language throughout chapter 9, but none more-so than the opening as we read Paul’s burden for his kinsmen.
What about you? Share in the comments what stood out to you in this passage and what you’re going to do about it.
Written By: Tyler Short
1 Comment
9:15: I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion. 9:21: Does not the potter have power over the clay , from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor.
These passages make me think deeply and realize how little I understand God's perspective on His sovereignty.