Sunday 11.00am
Wednesday 7.00pm
(childcare provided)
Overview
Paul continues to explain the development of the church as a predominantly non-Jewish movement in light of God’s promises to Israel. As we move into verses 14 through 29 of chapter 9, he answers potential objections to unconditional election.
Just a Couple of More Questions
Wayne Grudem defines election this way, “Election is an act of God before creation in which he chooses some people to be saved, not on account of any foreseen merit in them, but only because of his sovereign good pleasure.” (Systematic Theology, page 670) The Apostle Paul voices two potential objections to this truth.
In verse 14 he asks, “Is there injustice on God’s part?” and then curtly answers “By no means!”. The reason is that God is uniquely independent and utterly free to show mercy upon whom He desires. If God were only just, all humans would perish because all have fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). God is not only just, He is merciful to save some from His wrath. Moses illustrates the free choice of God to have compassion on a sinner while Pharaoh illustrates God’s free choice to harden a sinner for the demonstration of His glory.
In verse 19 a second objection is stated. If God is free to do as He pleases and human beings can in no way ultimately resist His will, how can He hold any of us accountable? Paul first objects to the appropriateness of the question. How can the creature (humans) legitimately question the Creator? Using the imagery of a potter’s right over the clay, the question is answered. God created humans knowing that they would reject Him resulting in most perishing for all eternity separated from Him in torment while He would choose to mercifully save some.
What is His Motive?
So why would God do all this? Verses 22-23 reveal His purposes. First, to demonstrate His wrath towards those who offend Him as He is patient. Second, to make His power known in executing His righteous judgment. Third, to make His glory known to those He freely chose in eternity past to be recipients of His mercy. In each of these categories, God is revealing His glory in the very same way He did with Moses and Pharaoh in the Exodus account.
Application Questions
1) Am I increasingly enjoying the glory of God? If not, why?
2) Am I loving others freely as God has loved me without merit on their part?
3) Am I sharing the gospel boldly knowing that God alone is responsible for the results?
Resources
Chapter 32: Election and Reprobation, Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem.
Chosen by God, by R.C. Sproul