In Romans 1 to 8 Paul has presented God's salvation as free to all.
But the O.T. had emphasized the peculiar position of Israel in God's
plan. Has God broken His word? Next three chapters give the answer.
Chap. 9 clarifies the subject of God's election of Israel.

1. THE PROBLEM (9:1-5)

Israel had marvelous privileges (Vs. 4,5; see R-3); nevertheless
are unsaved (Vs. l-i3; Rom. 10:1). What about God's election of
them? Where they not thus already saved? 

Note Vs. 4,5 how much a man can have and still be lost I

2. THE EXPLANATION (9:6-13)

God has not forgotten His promises, but He never promised to save
Israelites simply because they were Israelites. They had to be
believing Israelites.
a. God did not choose ALL Abraham's seed, only Isaac. Suppose

He had chosen Ishmael?  He could have. Vs. 7.
b. God did not choose ALL of Isaac's descendants, only Jacob.

Suppose He had chosen Esau? He could have; Esau had done no evil. Vs. 10-13 "according to election.
c. God did not choose ALL of Jacob's descendants, but only those who are believers.
d. Cannot God, who by sovereign grace chose believing Israelites, now also include believing Gentiles? He can; See Vs. 22-24

"What if God...Gentiles"; and Vs. 30.

3. AN OBJECTION ANSWERED (9:14-24)

Rom. 9:14 "Is there unrighteousness with God" in thus electing?

The method of God's election:

a. GOD'S CHOICE IS ACCORDING TO HIS SOVEREIGN WILL. Vs. 11
"neither having done any good or evil".

b. GOD'S CHOICE IS ACCORDING TO HIS GRACE AND MERCY. Vs. 15:16
"I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" See Ex. 33:19.
ALL Israel were guilty: none deserved me; but God chose to be
merciful. It was His right.

c. God's choice may also be displayed in judgment. Vs. 17, 21.
Sometimes God wills to let sin run its course, ending in judgment. This also is just.

d. GOD'S CHOICE PARALLELS MAN'S FAITH.

Vs. 30 "The Gentiles...attained...of faith".
Vs. 31,32 "Israel...sought it not by faith...stumbled"

4. ILLUSTRATIONS FROM THE PROPHETS (9:25-33)

3 O.T. passages are quotes: Hos. 2:23; 1:10 (in Vs. 25,26):

Isa. 10:22 23; 1:9 (in Vs. 27,28) and Isa. 8:14; 28:16 (V. 33)
a. Rom. 9 25-26 HOSEA: Israel like Gentiles. Mercy for BOTH
b. Rom. 9 27-28 ISAIAH: Only a remnant saved at ANY time.
c. Rom. 9 33 ISAIAH: Christ is the final test.

By David E. Hubbard

Used with permission

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