Romans 9:1-13 God's Faithfulness

Paul uses Jewish history to show us a necessary part of his argument for justification by faith.  In the last chapter, he'd argued that "the believer is secure in Jesus Christ and that God's election would stand."  Some might see the failure of the Jews to recognize the Messiah and ask if God had failed to keep His promises to Israel.  That would put the very character of God at stake.  Now Paul is going to address God's faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and grace.  These verses describe His faithfulness.

"Does Israel's failure mean that God's Word has failed?  The answer is, 'No!  God is faithful no matter what men may do with His Word.'  Paul explains the basis for Israel's election.  It was not of natural descent ... Abraham had two sons ... But it was Isaac, the younger of the two, whom God chose.  Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob.  As the firstborn, Esau should have been chosen, but it was Jacob that God chose ... God did not base His election on the physical.  Therefore, if the nation of Israel -- Abraham's physical descendants -- has rejected God's Word, this does not nullify God's elective purposes at all."

"It is not of human merit.  God chose Jacob before the babies were born.  The twin boys had done neither good nor evil, so God's choice was not based on their character or conduct ... God does not hate sinners.  John 3:16 makes it clear that He loves sinners.  The statement here has to do with national election, not individual.  Since God's election of Israel does not depend on human merit, their disobedience cannot nullify the elective purposes of God.  God is faithful even though His people are unfaithful."

Father God, thank You for choosing me.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to me despite my own disobedience.  Help me to be faithful to You and keep me in Your will.  Remind me often that I am Yours!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford