The Question Behind the Chapter
Romans 9 is the chapter most often quoted in the debate over election, and it is often read alone. Paul did not write it alone. It opens a three-chapter argument that ends in worship, and the question behind it is whether God has been faithful to Israel.
Paul has just closed Romans 8 with the strongest promise in the letter: nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Any careful reader would then ask about Israel. To her belonged the covenants and the promises (Romans 9:4), yet most of her people had rejected their Messiah. If God's word to Israel could fail, why should anyone trust Romans 8? Paul answers before the objection is spoken.
“Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:”ROMANS 9:6 · KJV
- Romans 9: God's word has not failed. He has always worked by promise and mercy, never by descent or works, and Israel stumbled at Christ.
- Romans 10: The offer is open. Christ is the end of the law to every one that believeth (Romans 10:4), and Israel's unbelief is her own.
- Romans 11: God has not cast Israel away. Her hardening is partial and temporary, and God will keep His word.
In these chapters: God's gracious choice to enter into a unique covenant relationship with a person or people, like Israel, not based on merit but for His purposes, while still leaving each individual free to walk with Him or turn away. On election to salvation in Christ, see Election and Foreknowledge.
A hard verse should be read in its paragraph, and a hard paragraph in its argument. Paul sums up chapter 9 himself in verses 30–33, and he sums up all three chapters in Romans 11:32.
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For Deeper Study
- The Potter's PromiseAmazon Leighton FlowersPopular-level non-Calvinistic Baptist reading of Romans 9 and related texts.
- Romans: The Gospel of God's GraceAmazon Alva J. McClainExpository lectures on the whole letter by the founding president of Grace Theological Seminary, compiled by Herman A. Hoyt.
- Romans Verse by VerseAmazon William R. NewellA Moody Bible Institute teacher's warm, dispensational exposition.
- The Justification of GodAmazon John PiperReformed. An exegetical study of Romans 9:1-23 and a widely respected case for individual election. Read it to hear the view this study answers.
- Grace, Faith, Free WillAmazon Robert E. PicirilliFree Will Baptist (Reformed Arminian). A careful non-Calvinist treatment of election. We differ on the security of the believer.
- Foxe's Book of MartyrsAmazon John FoxeThe classic Protestant record of those who died for the faith, from the early church to the English Reformation.
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Election and Foreknowledge
Before the foundation of the world, God chose in Christ to save all who believe, according to His perfect foreknowledge, and predestined them to be conformed to the image of His Son.
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