1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
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;
5 Whose [are] the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ [came], who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
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.
9 For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.
10 And not only [this]; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac;
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;)
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
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.
16 So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
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.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.
19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
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?
21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
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:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
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.
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.
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:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
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.
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.
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
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;
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.
Overview of Romans Chapter 9
Romans Chapter 9 is a pivotal portion of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he addresses the complex relationship between God’s sovereignty, Israel’s election, and the inclusion of the Gentiles. The chapter is often discussed in the context of theological debates concerning predestination, free will, and the nature of God’s promises.
The Apostle’s Grief for Israel (Verses 1-5)
Paul begins the chapter with a personal lament over the state of Israel, expressing deep sorrow for his fellow Jews who have not accepted Christ. His anguish is profound, and he emphasizes his willingness to be accursed for their sake.
- Paul’s honesty about his feelings highlights the emotional weight of his mission.
- He lists the privileges of the Israelites, including their adoption, glory, covenants, and the lineage of Christ.
God’s Sovereign Choice (Verses 6-13)
In this section, Paul clarifies that not all descendants of Israel are part of God’s covenant promises. He uses the examples of Isaac and Jacob to illustrate that God’s election is based on His purpose rather than human lineage.
- God’s promise is not dependent on physical descent.
- The choice of Jacob over Esau signifies God’s sovereign will in determining who receives His grace.
The Justice of God (Verses 14-18)
Paul anticipates objections regarding God’s justice in His sovereign choices. He asserts that God’s mercy is not owed to anyone, and He has the right to show mercy to whom He wills.
- Paul cites God’s declaration to Moses, emphasizing that God’s mercy is a matter of divine prerogative.
- The example of Pharaoh illustrates how God can harden hearts for His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over human will.
The Potter and the Clay (Verses 19-24)
Using the metaphor of a potter and clay, Paul illustrates the relationship between God and humanity. He argues that God, as the creator, has the authority to shape individuals for various purposes.
- This analogy emphasizes God’s right to judge and determine destinies.
- Paul contrasts vessels of mercy with vessels of wrath, highlighting the distinction in God’s treatment of different people.
The Inclusion of the Gentiles (Verses 25-29)
Paul references the prophecies from Hosea and Isaiah to show that God’s plan includes the Gentiles. He emphasizes that the remnant of Israel will be saved, and God’s mercy extends beyond ethnic boundaries.
- This inclusion signifies a radical expansion of God’s covenant community.
- Paul’s use of Old Testament references validates his argument and highlights continuity in God’s redemptive plan.
Israel’s Unbelief (Verses 30-33)
In the concluding verses, Paul reflects on Israel’s failure to attain righteousness through the law while the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained it through faith in Christ.
- This paradox emphasizes the theme of grace over works.
- Paul cites the stumbling stone (Christ) that Israel rejected, illustrating the consequences of unbelief.
Theological Implications
Romans Chapter 9 raises significant theological questions regarding God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of faith. It challenges readers to grapple with the mystery of divine election and the breadth of God’s mercy.
- The chapter serves as a foundation for discussions on predestination and free will.
- It invites reflection on the inclusivity of the Gospel and God’s overarching plan for redemption.
Conclusion
Romans Chapter 9 is a profound exploration of God’s sovereignty and the complexities of His covenant with Israel. It emphasizes the importance of faith and the radical nature of God’s grace, inviting believers to embrace the mystery of His divine purposes.
