In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul reveals his heartache over his fellow Israelites and explores the profound nature of God's mercy. His words challenge us to rethink our understanding of belonging and faith.
The Reading: Romans 9
World English Bible1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit,
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2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.
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3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh,
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4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;
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5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.
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6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.
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7 Neither, because they are Abraham’s offspring, are they all children. But, “your offspring will be accounted as from Isaac.”
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8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs.
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9 For this is a word of promise, “At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.”
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10 Not only so, but Rebekah also conceived by one, by our father Isaac.
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11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,
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12 it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
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13 Even as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
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14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!
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15 For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
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16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
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17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”
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18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.
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19 You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?”
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20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”
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21 Or hasn’t the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?
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22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
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23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,
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24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?
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25 As he says also in Hosea, “I will call them ‘my people,’ which were not my people; and her ‘beloved,’ who was not beloved.”
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26 “It will be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ There they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”
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27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel, “If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant who will be saved;
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28 for He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth.”
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29 As Isaiah has said before, “Unless the Lord of Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have been made like Gomorrah.”
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30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
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31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn’t arrive at the law of righteousness.
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32 Why? Because they didn’t seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone;
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33 even as it is written, “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in him will be disappointed.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Paul's Heart for Israel
Paul starts this chapter with a heavy heart. He expresses a deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites, wishing he could take their place if it meant their salvation. This sets the stage for a discussion about God's promises and who really belongs to Him.
The True Children of God
Paul makes a surprising claim: not everyone who is ethnically an Israelite is a child of God. He points out that being a child of God comes from the promise, not just biological descent. Using the stories of Isaac and Jacob, he illustrates that God's choice isn't based on human efforts or lineage but on His mercy and purpose.
God's Sovereignty and Mercy
The chapter also addresses a challenging topic - God's sovereignty. Paul reminds us that God decides whom to show mercy and whom to harden. This can sound harsh, but he emphasizes that it's about God's plan and glory, not our understanding of fairness. Paul uses the analogy of a potter and clay, explaining that the potter has the right to shape the clay as he wishes, creating vessels for honor or dishonor.
The Inclusion of the Gentiles
Paul then shifts focus to the Gentiles, celebrating that God's mercy isn't limited to Israel. He quotes the prophet Hosea, indicating that those who were once deemed outsiders will now be called God's people. This radical inclusion shows that faith, not ethnicity, is the key to a relationship with God.
A Stumbling Block
Lastly, Paul reflects on Israel's stumbling. Despite their pursuit of righteousness through the law, they missed it because they lacked faith. Instead, he highlights that righteousness comes through belief in Christ, the cornerstone that many stumble over. This sets the foundation for a new understanding of faith in Jesus.
Why It Matters
The Depth of God's Mercy
Romans 9 invites us to ponder the vastness of God's mercy. It teaches us that our relationship with God isn't about our heritage or our actions but is centered on His promises and grace. This is a powerful reminder that we are all welcome in His family, regardless of our background.
Embracing Inclusion
Paul's message about the Gentiles shows us that God's love transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries. This calls us to embrace diversity within the church and recognize that everyone is invited to experience God's love.
Faith Over Works
The emphasis on faith challenges us to examine our own beliefs. Are we relying on our actions to justify our relationship with God, or are we trusting in His grace? This chapter encourages us to pursue a faith that is active and rooted in mercy.
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Coming Up Next: Romans 10
In the next episode, Romans 10, we will dive deeper into the essence of faith and the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord. Don't miss this pivotal part of our journey through the New Testament!