Easy Bible・Romans 9

God's sovereign choice and the purpose of election

Key Passages

About this Chapter

In Romans 9, Paul addresses the question of God's choice and election. He begins by expressing his deep sorrow and anguish for the people of Israel, his own people, who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Paul explains that not all physical descendants of Israel are true Israelites, but it is the children of promise who are considered the true offspring of Abraham. Paul then uses the example of Jacob and Esau to illustrate God's sovereign choice. Even before they were born or had done anything good or bad, God chose Jacob over Esau, in order to fulfill His purpose of election. Paul emphasizes that God's choice is not based on human works, but on His own will and mercy. Paul anticipates the objection that God's choice is unfair, and he responds by asserting God's right as the Creator to have mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and to harden whom He wants to harden. He cites the example of Pharaoh, whom God raised up for the purpose of displaying His power and making His name known throughout the earth. Paul concludes that God has the right to show mercy to the Gentiles, who were not His people, and to call them His people, while also rejecting those who were once His people, the Israelites. In this chapter, Paul emphasizes the sovereignty of God in choosing and calling His people. He shows that God's choice is not based on human merit, but on His own purpose and grace. Paul's teaching here reminds us that it is ultimately God who saves and chooses His people, and that we should humbly submit to His sovereign will.