Romans 9 is a fascinating chapter that talks about the character of God and his dealings with humanity. In this chapter, we see a picture of God’s sovereignty, justice, mercy, and love. We see that God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In this blog post, we will look at seven points that reveal the character of God as seen in Romans 9, and we will also explore the corresponding Old Testament references.
1. His Promise
“It is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.” (Romans 9:8, ESV)
Old Testament Reference:
“Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” (Genesis 21:12, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul argues that God’s promise to Abraham was not based on his works but on God’s choice. God’s promise was fulfilled through Isaac, the son of the promise, not through Ishmael.
God is faithful to His promises, and He always keeps His word. His promises are not based on our works or merits but on His grace and mercy. We can trust in God’s promises because He is faithful and true.
2. His Election
“Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—” (Romans 9:11, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s election and how it was demonstrated in the lives of Jacob and Esau. God chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born, and this was according to His purpose and not because of their works.
God’s election is a mystery to us, but we can trust that God is just and fair. He chooses whom He wills for His purposes, and His choices are not based on our works or merits. We should not question God’s sovereignty but trust in His wisdom and plan.
3. His Mercy
“So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.” (Romans 9:18, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” (Exodus 33:19, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s mercy and how it is demonstrated in the salvation of some and the hardening of others. God’s mercy is not based on our works or merits but on His grace and mercy.
Explanation: God’s mercy is amazing, and it is demonstrated in His salvation of sinners. We do not deserve salvation, but God, in His mercy, has chosen to save us. We should be grateful for God’s mercy and strive to live a life that honors Him.
4. His Will and Choice
“Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” (Romans 9:21, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s sovereignty and how He has the right to do whatever He wants with His creation, just as a potter has the right to shape the clay as he wishes.
God’s will is supreme, and nothing can thwart His plans. He is the potter, and we are the clay, and He has the right to do with us as He pleases. We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust that He is good and has our best interests at heart.
5. His Purpose Behind His Creation
“What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory—” (Romans 9:22-23, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.” (Proverbs 16:4, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s purpose behind the creation of vessels of wrath and vessels of mercy. God endures with much patience the vessels of wrath, so that He might make known the riches of His glory to the vessels of mercy.
God’s purpose behind His creation is to make known His glory and to display His mercy and justice. Even the wicked serve a purpose in God’s plan, and we can trust that He is working all things for our good and His glory.
6. His Love
“As indeed he says in Hosea, ‘Those who were not my people I will call “my people,” and her who was not beloved I will call “beloved.”‘” (Romans 9:25, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “And in that day, declares the Lord, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.'” (Hosea 2:16, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s love for His people, both Jews and Gentiles. God’s love is demonstrated in the fact that He calls those who were not His people “my people” and those who were not beloved “beloved.”
Explanation: God’s love is not restricted to a select few but extends to all people, regardless of their background or past. Through Christ, God has made a way for all people to be reconciled to Him and to become His beloved children. We should respond to this love by loving God and loving others as ourselves, showing the same love and compassion that God has shown to us.
7. His Preservation (Remnants)
“And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.'” (Romans 9:27-28, ESV)
Old Testament Reference: “For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness.” (Isaiah 10:22, ESV)
Context: In this passage, Paul speaks of God’s preservation of a remnant of Israel. Though Israel is numerous like the sand of the sea, only a remnant will be saved. God will carry out His sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.
God’s preservation of a remnant shows His faithfulness and mercy to His people. Even when most have turned away from Him, He still preserves a remnant for His purposes. We should strive to be part of that remnant and live our lives in a way that pleases Him.
In conclusion, Romans 9 gives us a beautiful picture of the character of God