Romans - Chapter 9

Romans 9.1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, Romans 9.2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. Romans 9.3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Romans 9.4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Romans 9.5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 9.6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9.7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Romans 9.8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9.9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. Romans 9.10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; Romans 9.11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) Romans 9.12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Romans 9.13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9.14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Romans 9.15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9.16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Romans 9.17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Romans 9.18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Romans 9.19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Romans 9.20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Romans 9.21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Romans 9.22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: Romans 9.23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Romans 9.24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Romans 9.25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. Romans 9.26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Romans 9.27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: Romans 9.28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. Romans 9.29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. Romans 9.30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. Romans 9.31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Romans 9.32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; Romans 9.33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans : Chapter 9

God's Sovereignty in Salvation: A Reflection on Romans Chapter 9

Romans chapter 9 delves into the heart of God's sovereignty in salvation. How can we reconcile divine election with human responsibility? This profound text addresses Israel's rejection of the Messiah and God's freedom to exercise mercy. It addresses essential themes such as predestination, God's plan in history, and the inclusion of Gentiles.

Romans 9 challenges our understanding of divine justice and undeserved grace. We invite you to reflect with us on five biblical passages that shed light on the complex themes of this challenging chapter.

1. Malachi 1:2-3

"I have loved them," says the Lord. "But you ask, 'How have you loved us? Was not Esau Jacob's brother? Yet I loved Jacob, but Esau I have rejected..." This passage, quoted in Romans 9:13, illustrates God's sovereignty in election.

2. Exodus 33:19

"The Lord answered, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'" Paul quotes this verse in Romans 9:15 to demonstrate God's sovereignty.

3. Isaiah 10:22-23

"Though your people Israel be like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will return. Destruction has already been decreed, and it will come full of righteousness. The Lord, the Lord of hosts, will execute the destruction decreed on the whole land." This passage is quoted in Romans 9:27-28, speaking of the remnant of Israel.

4. Hosea 2:23

"I myself will sow them in the earth; I will show love to those I call 'Unloved.' I will say to those I called 'Not-My-People,' 'You are My people,' and they will say, 'You are My God.'" This verse is quoted in Romans 9:25, illustrating the calling of the Gentiles.

5. Isaiah 28:16

"Therefore says the Lord: Behold, I have laid in Zion a tried stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; whoever trusts will never be moved." Paul quotes this passage in Romans 9:33, referring to Christ as a stumbling block.

These passages remind us that the sovereignty of God and human freedom are not opposed, but intertwined in the mystery of faith. Let us reflect together on these profound truths and allow ourselves to be guided by divine grace.