Romans 9

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 7 2 8 0 0 Chapters 9 16) Summary of Chapters 1 8 and Preview of Chapters 9 11) After a prologue (1:1 15) Paul has shown that Justification by Faith is both Real, having been provided not by man but by God (1:16, 17), and Necessary; and this both for Gentile (1:18 32) and Jew (2:1 3:8); in fact for everybody (3:9 20), without any distinction between Jew and Gentile (3:21, 22). All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption (accomplished) in Christ Jesus; whom God designed to be, by the shedding of his blood, a wrath-removing sacrifice (effective) through faith & (3:23 25a). As a result, there is no room whatever for boasting (3:27). Does this mean, then, that we invalidate the law through our insistence on faith? On the contrary, says Paul, we uphold the law (verse 31).) In chapter 4 the apostle has shown that this way to be saved, the one and only way, is also definitely Scriptural (examples: Abraham and David). And it is Effective.

Among many other blessings which flow forth from God-given faith, according to the divine system or philosophy of redemption, the following are probably the most pronounced. Note the first four consonants of the word) ) ) These fruits are described, respectively, in chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” In chapters 9 11 Paul will show that this divinely provided method of obtaining salvation is also Historical. In the course of history God s most precious promises were intended not for the unbelieving nation but for the believing remnants. Thus, it was, is now, and will always be, until Christ returns. The nation was rejected because of its unbelief (9:27, 31, 32; 10:21). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.41|AUTODETECT|” 21:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.8|AUTODETECT|” 22:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.16|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:14b 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” . All Israel will be saved. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.1-45.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.1-45.11.6|AUTODETECT|” 11:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24-45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” The Gentiles too are saved in no other way than by faith. This rule holds for everyone, without ethnic distinctions. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.24-45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” Romans 9:24 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.4-45.10.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.4-45.10.13|AUTODETECT|” 10:4 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.20|AUTODETECT|” 11:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 9 2 8 0 0 Paul shows how the disobedience of the Jews opens the door of salvation to the Gentiles, and how, in turn, the latter s salvation causes the Jews in both cases the elect remnant, of course to become filled with a jealousy that leads to salvation (11:11, 30, 31). This constantly recurring turn of events results in the rapturous doxology of 11:33 36. But, as has been shown, for both Jew and Gentile the way of salvation is ever the same, namely, that of justification by faith, the product not of human works or merit but of divine sovereign grace.) We notice, therefore, that when Paul reaches chapter 9 he has by no means forgotten is main theme.) It is true, nevertheless, that, as in the first eight chapters, so also here, in chapters 9 11, the apostle touches on a variety of subjects, some of them closely related to the main theme, others not so closely. Thus the special advantages enjoyed by the Jews, in 9:3 5 enumerated in somewhat expanded form, reflect, 2:17, 18; 3:1, 2; and what it means to be a true Israelite (9:6) echoes 2:28, 29. Compare also the following:) 9:5 1:25 9:26 8:14 11:15 5:11 ) 9:19 3:7 9:33 5:5 11:28 5:10 ) 9:23 8:30 10:9 4:24 11:32 3:9; 5:19 ) 9:24 3:29 10:12 3:22, 29, 30 ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.10-45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Even the doctrine of divine predestination, for which one generally turns immediately to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.10-45.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:10 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5-45.11.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5-45.11.8|AUTODETECT|” 11:5 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , is foreshadowed in 8:29, 30.) 1 28 2 8 0 0 The question may be asked, Why was it necessary for Paul to place such emphasis on Justification by faith, apart from the works of the law? In light of what the writer himself states in 9:6 f., the answer must be, Because the Jews, by and large, misconstrued God s most precious promise, believing that it was intended for Abraham s natural posterity, and that is fulfillment was conditioned, at least to some extent, on human merit. Besides, is it not. true that the human heart, whether that of a Jew or of a Gentile, is ever proud and by nature unwilling to be saved by grace ? Finally, not only was it necessary for the Roman itself church itself to be pure in doctrine but its membership must also be able to defend its convictions when these are attacked by outsiders; that is, by unbelieving Jews and/or Gentiles.) One additional factor, a very important one, must not be left unmentioned in any introduction to chapter 9 11: The apostle was only a man with a keen intellect and iron will, but, as has been pointed out previously (see p. 13), also with a loving heart. Is it surprising, then, that, as he reflects on the treasures of salvation, about which he writes so touchingly in chapter 8 and also earlier, he, as it were, heaves a sigh of deep sympathy and poignant grief when he considers the fact that many of his own countrymen failed to share in these glorious blessings?) All these factors must be taken into consideration. They shed necessary light on the meaning and purpose of chapters 9 11.

Paul is going to show that God s well-meant invitation is still being extended to the Jews. The Lord is by no means through with the Jews. Until the day of Christ s return, that is, throughout the present era or dispensation of grace, their rejection is never complete (chapter 9; see especially verses 6 and 27), never arbitrary (chapter 10; see verse 21); and never absolute and unqualified (chapter 11; see verses 14 and 26). In his anger God does not withhold compassion. Neither does Paul.) The writer of this commentary is well aware of the fact that in the opinion of many able scholars, both past and present, one of the purposes of chapters 9 11 is to show that when the finishing line of human history is reached, or is about to be reached, the Jews then living on earth will be saved. As they see it, this will happen to (a) the nation Israel as a whole, (b) the mass [of the Jews], (c) the whole nation.

It will be (d) a comprehensive eschatological recovering of the unbelieving Jews.��260�� Whether this is actually what Paul has in mind will be among the subjects to be discussed in the following pages.) CHAPTER 9) Outline (continued)) Justification by Faith) D. Historical) 1. Paul s Sorrow) I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart & for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen ) 9:1 5 ) 2. Divine Election and Rejection) Not all who are of Israel are Israel & Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated ) 9:6 18 ) 3. God s Wrath and Mercy) Does not the potter have the right to make, out of the same lump of clay one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? ) 9:19 29 ) 4. Conclusion) He who puts his faith in him will not be put to shame ) 9:30 33 ) ) D.

Historical) 1. Paul s Sorrow) I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart & for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen ) 9:1 5) 9 1 I am speaking the truth in Christ I am not lying; my conscience bears witness along with me in the Holy Spirit (when I declare) 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself would be accursed (and cut off) from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen according to the flesh, 4 since they are Israelites, and theirs is the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the legislation and the worship and the promises; 5 and theirs are the fathers, and from them, as far as his human nature is concerned,��261�� is Christ, who is over all God blest forever. Amen.) ) 1, 2. I am speaking the truth in Christ I am not lying; my conscience bears witness along with me in the Holy Spirit (when I declare) that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” With the words, I am speaking the truth & I am not lying compare ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.12.6|AUTODETECT|” 12:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 It is clear that Paul is deeply moved when he dictates these words. The sorrow of his heart is great in its intensity, deep in its nature, amounting to nothing less than anguish, and unceasing in its duration.) Why does Paul say that he is indeed speaking the truth when he thus describes the inner state of his mind and heart?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” To discover the answer we should bear in mind that he has already expressed his opinion about the Jews in language that was anything but complimentary 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14-52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:14b 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.31|AUTODETECT|” ), and he is going to do so again 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.31|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.2|AUTODETECT|” 10:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7-45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7-45.11.10|AUTODETECT|” 11:7 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.28|AUTODETECT|” ). His kinsmen might easily draw the conclusion, Paul hates us. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.21.28|AUTODETECT|” Acts 21:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.5|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.24.5|AUTODETECT|” 24:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 f. But nothing could be farther from the truth. This explains why Paul considered it necessary to declare that Israel s unbelief and consequent rejection was for him indeed a heavy burden. Truly and deeply Paul loves his kinsmen. But he loves Christ even more. He is speaking the truth in Christ. To an extent, at least, his sadness results from love for him whom the Jews have repudiated. His conscience confirms what he is saying; and, as the expression in the Holy Spirit shows, that conscience belongs to a man who is constantly being indwelt and led (see 8:9, 14, 16) by the Holy Spirit. Contrast 2:15 which refers to the conscience of those who are still living in darkness.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 3. For I could wish that I myself would be accursed (and cut off) from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen according to the flesh & ��262��) As the word For indicates, Paul is here beginning to give the reason for the strong statement found in verses 1, 2. So deep is his grief resulting from the unbelief of the Jews and from the divine displeasure with them, that he states, I could wish myself to be accursed (and cut off) from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen according to the flesh. He means every word of it. This expression I could wish & to be cut off from Christ is all the more striking because it issued from the heart and lips of the very man for whom the impossibility of being separated from Christ meant so much, as 8:38, 39 has shown! He is, as it were, saying, I could wish to be separated from Christ for the sake of others if this were possible, but I realize that this is impossible, which in a sense adds to my woe! ) This is clearly the language of a Christian. The person who is unconcerned about those who are perishing may well wonder whether he is a Christian.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.33|AUTODETECT|” Paul s sentiment reminds us of Judah, who, as Surety for his brother Benjamin, said, Please permit your servant to remain here as my lord s slave in the place of the lad 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.33|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 44:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” ). It recalls to us the thrilling words of Moses, as he interceded for his people, Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin ; but if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of the book which thou hast written 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.18.33|AUTODETECT|” ). It brings back to our memory David s agonizing cry, O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you; O Absalom my son, my son! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.18.33|AUTODETECT|” II Sam 18:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ). But most of all, it fixes our attention on him who really became his people s Substitute 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.13|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.5|AUTODETECT|” ; and see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.5|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.28|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.10.45|AUTODETECT|” Mark 10:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.14|AUTODETECT|” In this passage Paul certainly proves what a wonderful missionary he is, how passionately he yearns to save the lost. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.14|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.9.22|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” The dismal character of Israel s tragedy and therefore also the heart-rending nature of Paul s anguish become clear when the advantages which caused this nation to stand out above all others 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.19|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 147:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.147.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ) are listed in greater detail than had been done previously 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.1|AUTODETECT|” 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ):) 1 3 2 8 0 0 4, 5. since they��263�� are Israelites, and theirs is the adoption and the glory and the covenants and the legislation and the worship and the promises; and theirs are the fathers, and from them, as far as his human nature is concerned, is Christ, who is over all God blest forever. Amen.) The list of advantages contains nine items; as follows:) a. They are Israelites) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.22-1.32.28|AUTODETECT|” Meaning: they are descendants of Jacob, who, until God blessed him, would not let him go, and whose name was changed to Israel . See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.22-1.32.28|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 32:22 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.31|AUTODETECT|” . Accordingly, when used in its most favorable sense, the appellatives Israel, Israelites were titles of honor, as is clear from such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.31|AUTODETECT|” John 1:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.47|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.47|AUTODETECT|” 47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.49|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.49|AUTODETECT|” 49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.23.9|AUTODETECT|” . The honor attaching to the name Israel is also reflected in speeches by Peter and Paul recorded in the book of Acts (2:22; 3:12; 13:16). Historically was not Israel a nation which by God had been separated from the nations of the world? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.23.9|AUTODETECT|” Num. 23:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 However, it should be constantly borne in mind that an advantage is not necessarily a virtue, and a privilege is not a merit. In fact, when, in spite of the many unique advantages conferred upon Israel, that nation turns its back upon the Lord, these very advantages result in increasing Israel s punishment. See 9:30 32; and also what has been said in connection with 3:3, 4 (pp. 110, 111).) b. and theirs is the adoption) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.22|AUTODETECT|” They had been accorded the high privilege of having been adopted as God s firstborn 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.22|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 4:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.5|AUTODETECT|” ), his own possession 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.19.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 19:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” ), his son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.20|AUTODETECT|” ), his people, his chosen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.43.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 43:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.1|AUTODETECT|” The calling and adoption of Israel, its separation from all the nations of the world to be God s very own, was certainly a high honor. When Paul dictated these words, was he not really saying, Consider the Rock from which you were hewn ? See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 51:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 c. and the glory) Another blessing that could not be omitted from the list!��264�� A detailed study of this concept is indeed very instructive. As the word is here used it indicates the divine radiance, generally described as a body of light or fire, often pictured as being surrounded by a cloud. Sometimes the emphasis is on the fire, sometimes on the cloud. It has been called the visible manifestation of the invisible God. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.34|AUTODETECT|” When the building of the tabernacle had been completed, this glory of the Lord came and filled it 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.34|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 40:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.2|AUTODETECT|” ). It took its stand above the mercy-seat in the holy of holies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.16.2|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 16:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.36|AUTODETECT|” ). During the wilderness journeys when it rested, the Israelites did not travel. When it was taken up, they marched 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.36|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 40:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.37|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.40.37|AUTODETECT|” 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.20|AUTODETECT|” ). It was a cloud by day and a pillar of light by night 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.20|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ). It is pictured as a devouring fire on top of the mount where Moses spoke with God face to face 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.7.1|AUTODETECT|” ). When Solomon finished his very impressive prayer at the dedication of the temple, this glory filled the temple 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.7.1|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 7:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.7.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.7.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ). It indicated the presence of the Lord with his people. However, at times it is associated with the presence of God for the purpose of rendering judgment and inflicting punishment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.14.10|AUTODETECT|” Num. 14:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.19|AUTODETECT|” 16:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.42|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.16.42|AUTODETECT|” 42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.20.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.20.6|AUTODETECT|” 20:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; cf. vss. 12, 13).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 By means of this glory, too, the people of Israel had been separated from all other nations.) d. and the covenants) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” There is a degree of doubt whether one should read the plural covenants, or with an important papyrus, with Vaticanus, and with several other witnesses the singular covenant. At any rate the word seems to point to the various affirmations and re-affirmations of God s covenant with his people and/or with their leaders. Even though there is only one covenant of grace, in essence identical in both dispensations, it was revealed more and more fully in course of time. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.15|AUTODETECT|” 22:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.1|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.1|AUTODETECT|” 26:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.10|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.10|AUTODETECT|” 28:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.24|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.24|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 2:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.4|AUTODETECT|” 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.6.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.5.1|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.18|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.18|AUTODETECT|” 8:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.1|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 24:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.72|AUTODETECT|” f.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.72|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:72) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.73|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.73|AUTODETECT|” 73) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.25|AUTODETECT|” 3:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��265��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.23.5|AUTODETECT|” Godfearing people in Israel rejoiced in this covenant: David did 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.23.5|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 23:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.54|AUTODETECT|” ); so did Mary, the mother of Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.54|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:54) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.55|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.55|AUTODETECT|” 55) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.72|AUTODETECT|” ); and so did Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.72|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:72) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.73|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.73|AUTODETECT|” 73) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 e. and the legislation) It was indeed an inestimable privilege that at Sinai Israel had received the law, as it were, out of the very hands of God. Even though by the law no one is justified in God s sight, nevertheless the law is good and serves useful purposes. See on 5:20, p. 184.) f. and the worship) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Opportunity for worship, first in connection with the tabernacle 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” ), later in connection with the temple 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.9-42.18.14|AUTODETECT|” Luke 18:9 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.2|AUTODETECT|” ), was another high privilege. Nevertheless, the word used in the original is broad enough also to include worship in the synagogue. In fact, does not the occurrence of the same word for worship or service in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.2|AUTODETECT|” John 16:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.13.14-2.13.16|AUTODETECT|” The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is offering service to God point in the direction of a broader connotation than cultic service?��266�� Moreover, even family worship was, to a certain extent, regulated by law 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.13.14-2.13.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 13:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ). It would appear, therefore, that Paul here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.21-43.4.23|AUTODETECT|” is referring to far more than temple worship or even public worship in general. He was probably thinking of the true worship or service of the one and only God wherever and in whatever manner such homage is rendered. Though things were changing, for a long time both the object and the character of properly tendering religious devotion had been revealed only to the Jews 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.21-43.4.23|AUTODETECT|” John 4:21 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). What an inestimable privilege!) 1 1 2 8 0 0 g. and the promises) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” The reference is to those made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and to the Jewish people as a whole. To Abraham God had promised, I will be your God and the God of your seed after you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10|AUTODETECT|” ). In various forms essentially that same promise had been repeated to Isaac, Jacob, and Israel as a nation. In view of its comprehensive character it included many other promises, certainly also the one mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.9|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” It is understandable that the fulfilment of that one basic promise 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ) and therefore also of all subsidiary promises was dependent on the certainty of the coming and mediatorial work of the Redeemer. It is through Christ that all the promises are capable of being realized 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.20|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And what an abundance of promises is revealed to us in the pages of Holy Writ, all of them centering in Christ!) 1 4 2 8 0 0 In the following list each Old Testament reference in the left column is paralleled by one new Testament reference, indicating the fulfilment of the indicated promise. With a little effort it will be easy for the reader to add other references to both lists. By no means all of the Old Testament passages here indicated are in the form of promises, but every one at least implies a promise.) Old Testament Predictions) and Promises Fulfilment as recorded) in the New Testament ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.38|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.39|AUTODETECT|” 39) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.9|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.15-1.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:15 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.29.35|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 29:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 17:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.21.8|AUTODETECT|” Num. 21:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.14|AUTODETECT|” John 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Num. 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” a ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 22:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.12|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.31-42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.31-42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:31 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.22|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.8.4|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 8:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.6-58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” f. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.6-58.2.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 16:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.35|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.35|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 22:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.46|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.18|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 68:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.20|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 69:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.69.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.34|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.27.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 27:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 110:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.44|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:44) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.22|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 118:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.118.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and see N.T.C. on Luke, p. 876 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.23|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and see N.T.C. on Matthew, pp. 133 144 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 9:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.12-40.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.4.12-40.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 4:12 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.11|AUTODETECT|” 10:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.0|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and see N.T.C. on Luke, p. 977, and on Philippians, pp. 82, 83 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.59.20|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 59:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.59.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.59.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.61.1|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 61:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.18|AUTODETECT|” f. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.4.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.5|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.31.31-24.31.34|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 31:31 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.8-58.8.12|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.8-58.8.12|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:8 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.34|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 2:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.44|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.2.44|AUTODETECT|” 44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:64) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.9.24-27.9.27|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 9:24 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.28|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.17|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 f. ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.9.11-30.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Amos 9:11 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.16-44.15.18|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.15.16-44.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Acts 15:16 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.5.2|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 5:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.6-37.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Hag. 2:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.26|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.3.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.12-58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.12-58.10.14|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:12 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 6:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.6.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.6.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20-58.7.3|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.20-58.7.3|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:20 7:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.9.9|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.15|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.15|AUTODETECT|” John 12:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 11:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.15|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.37|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.37|AUTODETECT|” John 19:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.3.1|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 3:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.10|AUTODETECT|” f. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 4 2 8 0 0 ) ) What a blessing, all these promises, withheld from others but given to Israel.) h. and theirs are the fathers) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.28|AUTODETECT|” It has been said, If one wishes to be successful, he should choose his ancestors! Paul may have been thinking especially of Abraham (4:1 3, 16 23; 9:7; 11:1); Isaac (9:7, 9, 10); and Jacob (9:13; 11:26). In many respects parents, in training their children, were able to point with pride to these three patriarchs. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 15:8. Besides, we should never lose sight of the fact that these three ancestors were living on earth before the proclamation of God s holy law from Sinai. For a considerable period of time, therefore, they were the bearers of tradition, the transmitters of the divine predictions and promises.) 1 9 2 8 0 0 But Paul also makes mention of David (1:3; 4:6 8; 11:9, 10; and see also 3:4). In fact, when the apostle refers to the fathers, he was probably thinking of all the devout ancestors who played an important role in the history of redemption. Although it is true that none of these forefathers had been perfect in their earthly life and conduct, by and large they could be exhibited as examples to follow. All in all how supremely privileged were the people who were able to claim such ancestors!) i. and from them, as far as his human nature is concerned, is Christ, who is over all God blest forever. Amen) This item serves as a fitting climax. From them, that is, from the Israelites (see verse 4) Christ derived his human nature.

He was and is a Jew. What a source of intense satisfaction and rejoicing this should be for Jews!) The apostle hastens to add that although Jesus is indeed a Jew, he is also much more than a Jew. Though he has a human nature, he also has a divine nature. He is God!) It should be clear that when Paul says, Christ, who is over all God blest forever, he confesses Christ s deity. He does, unless one is willing to adopt the kind of rendering favored by some, namely, May God, supreme above all, be blessed forever! (N.E.B.) or God who is over all be blessed forever (R.S.V.).) The reasons for rejecting these and similar translations, and adopting one that ascribes deity to Christ are as follows:) (1) The fact that in the preceding clause Paul has commented on Christ s human nature makes it reasonable to believe that he would now say something about his divine nature.) (2) A word-for-word translation of the original would be: & and from [or of] whom (is) Christ according to (the) flesh, the one being above all God blessed forever & It is clear that the words the one being or who is refer to Christ. They cannot refer to anyone else.) (3) The rendering, Let God be blessed forever would be a doxology in honor of God.

It is Paul s custom, in such doxologies, to include in a preceding line or clause a reference to God; for example,) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” & since they had indeed exchanged God, (who is) the truth, for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.4|AUTODETECT|” & according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.18|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The present passage, interpreted as a doxology, would therefore clash with Paul s style.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.68|AUTODETECT|” (4) Those who, in line with N.E.B. and R.S.V., translate the Greek words in question as if they were an independent doxology should bear in mind that in both Old and New Testament the word Blessed in such doxologies is found at the beginning of the sentence; as, for example, Blessed (be) the Lord, the God of Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.1.68|AUTODETECT|” Luke 1:68) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ). See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” . That is not the case here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” (5) It is not unusual for the writers of New Testament books, including Paul, to ascribe deity, or the qualities pertaining to deity, to Christ. See, for example, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.28.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 28:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.1|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.1-43.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.1-43.1.4|AUTODETECT|” John 1:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.58|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.58|AUTODETECT|” 8:58) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.30|AUTODETECT|” 10:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.10.33|AUTODETECT|” 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.28|AUTODETECT|” 20:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.1|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 26 2 8 0 0 (6) A doxology to God would sound very strange in a paragraph in which Paul expresses great sorrow and unceasing anguish because of Israel s unbelief! Today it is unlikely that a missionary, reporting back to his board, would say, Even though the people among whom I carry on my evangelistic activity have been blessed with many advantages such as prosperity, good health, intelligence, etc. there have been very few conversions. Praise the Lord! ) For the solemn addition Amen see on 1:25, p. 77.) What Paul has been saying, then, may be summed up as follows, It grieves me deeply that in spite of all the remarkable advantages which God has showered on Israel, it has failed to reciprocate. ) How can this negative reaction be explained? Also, does this mean that God has totally rejected Israel? The answers are given in the verses that follow; in fact, in a sense, in the entire argument beginning at 9:6 and ending at 11:36.) ) 2. Divine Election and Rejection) Not all who are of Israel are Israel & Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated ) 9:6 18) 6 But it is not as though the word of God had failed.

For not all who are of Israel are Israel; 7 nor, because they are Abraham s seed, are they all (his) children; but) It is through Isaac that your seed will be reckoned. ) 8 This means that it is not the natural children who are children of God, but it is the children of the promise who are reckoned as seed. 9 For the language of promise is this:) At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son. ) 10 But not only this; (there is) also Rebecca, who conceived (her two sons) at one time by one and the same husband, namely, our father Isaac. 11 For, before the twins were born or had done anything either good or bad, in order that God s purpose according to election might stand, 12 (a purpose) based not on (human) works but on him who calls, she was told,) The elder shall serve the younger ;) 13 as it is written,) Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. ) 14 What then shall we say? There is no injustice on God s part, is there? Not at all! 15 For to Moses he says,) I will have mercy on whom I have mercy; and I will) have compassion on whom I have compassion. ) 16 So then, in does not depend on (man s) will or exertion but on God s mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh,) For this very purpose have I raised you up, that I might display my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. ) 18 So then, on whom he wills he has mercy, and whom he wills he hardens.) ) 6 8 But it is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all who are of Israel are Israel; nor, because they are Abraham s seed, are they all (his) children; but) It is through Isaac that your seed will be reckoned. This means that it is not the natural children who are children of God, but it is the children of the promise who are reckoned as seed.) Paul was apparently afraid that the statement with respect to his great sorrow and unceasing anguish might be interpreted as if he meant that God s word his promise regarding Israel had failed, his purpose frustrated.��267�� So the apostle explains that although a marvelous promise had indeed been made to Israel (as has been indicated; see p. 313), that promise was never meant to be realized in the entire nation but only in the true Israel.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” The thought expressed here is essentially the same as that found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” . Not in all the descendants of Abraham or of Israel was the covenant promise destined to be fulfilled but only in the hearts and lives of those who by God s grace would repose their trust in him and strive to obey his will out of gratitude. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.1|AUTODETECT|” 17:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.2|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 30:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.47-11.8.50|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.8.47-11.8.50|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 8:47 50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.18.5-24.18.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.18.5-24.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 18:5 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, in harmony with all this, the line of the covenant would run through Isaac. It was he who would be counted as Abraham s seed, in whom the covenant promise would be fulfilled. The true seed was Isaac, not Ishmael. Similarly, it was Jacob, not Esau (9:13). Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��268��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 It is important to point out that although the statement For not all who are of Israel are Israel is cast in a negative mold, the positive implication is, There is, indeed, a true Israel. God s rejection of Israel is not total or complete. His word has not failed and never will fail. The remnant will be saved (verse 27). He who puts his faith in Christ will not be put to shame (verse 33).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” God s people are here called the children of the promise, a strikingly beautiful designation! Their spiritual birth was due not to anything residing in them but entirely to God s covenant promise. It was the promise that gave them birth! They were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.13|AUTODETECT|” John 1:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), a fact exemplified clearly in the story of the birth of Isaac, to which reference is made in verse) 1 3 2 8 0 0 9. For the language of promise is this:) At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son. ) As the conjunction For shows, what follows proves that not Abraham s natural children are necessarily God s children, and that only those can claim that distinction who are products of God s promise, his sovereign grace.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Note emphatic position of & the language of promise is this. This is followed by the astounding statement that at the appointed time that is next year 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.30|AUTODETECT|” ) Sarah, the very wife, who according to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.30|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 11:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.11|AUTODETECT|” was barren, according to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.11|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.17|AUTODETECT|” was past the age of childbearing, and according to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.17|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 was ninety years old, would give birth to a child. Not only this, but the child would be a son!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.17|AUTODETECT|” That this would happen seemed to be so impossible that when the Lord had told Abraham that he would have a child by Sarah, he had answered, Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? And will Sarah, at the age of ninety, bear a child? 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.17|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10-1.18.12|AUTODETECT|” ). And though Abraham probably quickly conquered his earlier misgiving,��269�� even later Sarah had greeted the promise of a child with the laughter of unbelief 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.10-1.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:10 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Nevertheless, the promise was fulfilled, proving that Isaac was indeed the child of promise, the product solely of divine, sovereign power and grace. God had returned; that is, his promise had been fulfilled in every detail.) Paul has made clear, therefore, that the ability to trace one s line of descent to Abraham does not entitle a person to believe that he will inherit that which was promised to Abraham. What matters is whether he belongs to that seed of Abraham which originates in the sovereign grace, will, and disposal of God Almighty.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.2|AUTODETECT|” Not to any extent is it a matter of human merit. The very history of Abraham and Sarah makes this clear. If from what has been said so far about Sarah the conclusion should be drawn that, judged by spiritual standards, she ranked far below Abraham, it should be pointed out that, all in all, Scripture s estimate of her is high. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.51.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 51:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.11|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.6|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.23.0|AUTODETECT|” . Abraham certainly must have loved her. Note what efforts he put forth in order to secure for her an honorable burial 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.23.0|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.24.67|AUTODETECT|” ). And observe how Isaac needed to be comforted because of her death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.24.67|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 24:67) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.10|AUTODETECT|” And, on the other hand, measured by these same standards, Abraham does not fare as well as we had probably expected. In spite of whatever extenuating circumstances may be mentioned in his defense, what he did, as reported in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.20.1|AUTODETECT|” f. and again (!) in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 20:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 f., was shocking.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21|AUTODETECT|” Isaac too, though certainly a child of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.23-1.26.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.23-1.26.25|AUTODETECT|” 26:23 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.1-1.28.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.1-1.28.4|AUTODETECT|” 28:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.7|AUTODETECT|” ) was by no means perfect 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 26:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.1-1.27.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.1-1.27.4|AUTODETECT|” 27:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” The only conclusion we can reach is that in the case of Abraham, Sarah, and their son Isaac, salvation, appropriated by faith, was definitely a matter of divine, sovereign grace. Human merit had nothing to do with it. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Moreover, that salvation and preferential standing in the line of the covenant are indeed matters of grace, gifts proceeding from God s sovereign will and power, is even more strikingly illustrated in the story of Rebecca:) 10 13. But not only this; (there is) also Rebecca, who conceived (her two sons) at one time by one and the same husband, namely, our father Isaac. For, before the twins were born or had done anything either good or bad, in order that God s purpose according to election might stand, (a purpose) based not on (human) works but on him who calls, she was told,) The elder shall serve the younger ;) as it is written,) Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. ��270��) In defense of his reasoning Paul states, But not only this ; that is, Consider not only the case of Isaac and Ishmael. In their case one might be tempted to argue that the reason why the line of the covenant ran through Isaac, not through Ishmael, was that Isaac s mother was Sarah, but Ishmael s mother was Sarah s Egyptian slave-handmaid Hagar. Jacob and Esau, however, not only had the same father but also the same mother, and were conceived at the same moment. They were twins, though Esau was born just before Jacob and was, accordingly, the elder. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.16.14|AUTODETECT|” Note also the following: in the case of Abraham s children it was possible to point to the contrast in the cause of their birth. Ishmael was, in a sense, the product of his parents sinful scheming 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.16.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 16:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), but Isaac was the realization of God s promise.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21|AUTODETECT|” Nothing resembling this was true in the case of Jacob and Esau. Both were born in answer to prayer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.21|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, in spite of their remarkable similarities, before these twins were even born, or had done anything either good or bad, their mother was already told, The elder shall serve the younger 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.29-1.25.34|AUTODETECT|” ). And this is also what actually happened, for not only did Esau forfeit, and Jacob receive, the birthright 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.29-1.25.34|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:29 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.1-1.27.29|AUTODETECT|” ), but the latter also obtained the blessing which father Isaac wrongfully had intended to pronounce upon Esau 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.1-1.27.29|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 27:1 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” The contrast was, however, even sharper, for, quoting from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , the apostle adds, as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. The divine purpose, springing from election and executing its design, determines who are saved. Everything depends on God who calls (effectively draws) some, not others. Cf. 8:28.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 What Paul is saying, then, in verses 6 13, is this: In the final analysis the reason why some people are accepted and others rejected is that God so willed it. The divine, sovereign will is the source of both election and reprobation. Human responsibility is not canceled, but there is no such thing as human merit. God s eternal purpose is not ultimately based on human works.) Additional Reflections on Election and Reprobation) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” As is well-known, this passage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ) is considered a prooftext for the doctrine of predestination: election and reprobation. Predestination is God s eternal purpose whereby he has foreordained whatever comes to pass 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Election may be defined as God s eternal purpose to cause certain specific individuals to be in Christ the recipients of special grace, in order that they may live to God s glory and may obtain everlasting salvation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.13.48|AUTODETECT|” Acts 13:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.13|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” ). Reprobation is God s eternal purpose to pass by certain specific individuals in the bestowment of special grace, ordaining them to everlasting punishment for their sins 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��271��) 1 10 2 8 0 0 Although both of these decrees are equally ultimate, it would be wrong to say that they are co-ordinate in every respect. For example, although sin is indeed the meriting cause of the punishment mentioned in the definition of the decree of reprobation, faith is not the meriting cause of the salvation to which the definition of the decree of election refers. Also to quote from my published translation of Dr. H. Bavinck s Doctrine of God��272�� In a certain sense, the fall, sin, and eternal punishment are included in God s decree and willed by him. But this is true in a certain sense only, and not in the same sense as grace and salvation.

These are the objects of his delight, but God does not delight in sin, neither has he pleasure in punishment. ) The question is often asked, How was it possible for a Loving God to ordain certain individuals to everlasting punishment? A more logical question would be, How was it possible for a God whose righteousness demands that sin be punished, to ordain some individuals to everlasting life and glory? Surely the wonder of it all is the substitutionary death of Christ!) The Westminster Confession of the year 1647 has this to say about Election and Reprobation:) God from all eternity did, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; yet so as thereby neither is God the author of sin, nor is violence offered to the will of the creatures, nor is the liberty or contingency of second causes taken away, but rather established Ch. iii, I) Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereunto, and all to the praise of his glorious grace. Ch. iii, V) The rest of mankind God was pleased, according to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonor and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice Ch iii, VII) Essentially the same truths are expressed in Canons of Dort, First Head of Doctrine, articles 7 and 15, and in the Belgic Confession, article XVI. The Heidelberg Catechism contains very little on this subject. See Answers 52 and 54.) In addition the Canons (in its Fifth Head of Doctrine, Rejection of Errors, Conclusion) warn against those who teach that the doctrine of the Reformed Churches makes God the author of sin, and that he) & by a mere arbitrary act of his will, without the least respect or view to any sin, has predestined the greatest part of the world to eternal damnation, and has created them for this very purpose; that in the same manner in which election is the foundation and cause of faith and good works, reprobation is the cause of unbelief and impiety; that many children of the faithful are torn, guiltless, from their mothers breasts, and tyrannically plunged into hell & and many things of the same kind which the Reformed Churches not only do not acknowledge but even detest with their whole soul.) A couple additional matters should not be omitted:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|” a. The reprobate receive many blessings, which do not result from the decree of reprobation, but from the goodness and grace of God. They receive many natural gifts: life, health, strength, food, happiness, etc. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.45|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.17|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.28|AUTODETECT|” 17:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.1.17|AUTODETECT|” James 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” , etc.). Also with respect to the reprobate, God does not leave himself without witness. He endures them with much longsuffering 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” ). He causes the gospel of his grace to be proclaimed to them, and has no pleasure in their death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” 33:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.41|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.24.47|AUTODETECT|” 24:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 17:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.9|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.4|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.9|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ��273��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Cain was a reprobate. Of this there can be no doubt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Jude 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Yet, how tenderly God addressed him! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. There is a problem that must be faced. Our Creeds, as has been shown, proceed from the infralapsarian position, according to which those people who were destined for glory were chosen out of the state of sin and destruction into which they had plunged themselves; and those destined for perdition were, by God s decree, left in that state. The question, however, arises, Why did God at all allow the fall to take place? ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” To that question there is no answer, except it be that of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.11.7|AUTODETECT|” , The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever & And that of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Job 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.11.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.11.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ,) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Can you by searching fathom God?) Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?) They are higher than the heavens what can you do?) Deeper than Sheol what can you know?) Permit me to quote once more from my translation of Bavinck s Doctrine of God, this time p. 396:) Round about us we observe so many facts which seem to be unreasonable, so much undeserved suffering, so many unaccountable calamities, such an uneven and inexplicable distribution of destiny, and such an enormous contrast between the extremes of joy and sorrow, that anyone reflecting on these things, is forced to choose between viewing this universe as if it were governed by the blind will of an unbenign deity as is done by pessimism; or, upon the basis of Scripture and by faith, to rest in the absolute and sovereign, yet however incomprehensible wise and holy will of him who will one day cause the full light of heaven to dawn upon these mysteries of life.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Among the many objections that have been raised against the doctrine of election and reprobation, and particularly against the view that ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 supports this doctrine, are the following:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Objection a. Election, yes; reprobation, no! Neither ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 nor any other biblical passage teaches reprobation.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.4|AUTODETECT|” Comment. That Scripture does indeed teach both election and reprobation has been shown, See above, p. 320. Besides, election and reprobation stand and fall together. Those whom the Lord does not elect he rejects. God s counsel is all-comprehensive 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.16.4|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 16:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.11|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.16|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, when God elects a person, he not merely decides to cause him to enter heaven at last, but guides him all the way from conception to glorification. David proclaims this truth in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.139.16|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 139:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , which, in rhyme, is as follows: ) 1 12 2 8 0 0 Ere into being I was brought,) Thine eye did see, and in thy thought,) My life in all its perfect plan) Was ordered ere my days began.) Now the believer does not live in a vacuum, and between his life and that of the unbeliever there is no Chinese Wall. The life of the elect and that of the non-elect are so thoroughly intertwined at play, in school, in the place of businesss, in factory, in government, etc. that any divine plan that affects the elect must also affect the non-elect, without canceling human accountability in either case. A half plan is no plan at all. Many a battle has been lost because this or that small (?) item had been excluded.) For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,) For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,) For the want of a horse the rider was lost,) For the want of a rider the battle was lost,) For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost) And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.) Franklin, Poor Richard Almanac) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Objection b. The divine oracle 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” ), quoted by Paul in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , really means, Jacob have I loved intensely, but Esau have I loved less. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Comment. The verb used in the original for to hate can indeed have the meaning to love less. See N.T.C. on Luke, pp. 734, 735. The question is, Does it have that meaning here 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” )? Clearly, it does not! The context of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is one of the judgment, punishment, indignation: & Esau have I hated, and made his mountains a desolation & They will build, but I will throw down. Also, when Esau receives his father s blessing, that blessing amounts to what might almost be called a curse. Correctly translated, it begins as follows,) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.39|AUTODETECT|” Away from the fatness of the earth will be your dwelling, and away from the dew of heaven from above 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.39|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 27:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ). In fact, the blessing was of such a negative nature, and the deception by Jacob so painful, that Esau hated Jacob because of what had happened, and threatened to kill him. Conclusion: loved less will do for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” or for ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . These passages refer to reprobation, nothing less.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.22|AUTODETECT|” Objection c. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.22|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Mal. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=39.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 do not refer to individuals, Jacob and Esau, but to nations, Israel and Edom.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.22|AUTODETECT|” Comment. Though it is true that in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.22|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 the text turns quickly from babes to nations, nevertheless the starting-point has to do with persons, not nations. The words, Two nations are in your womb can, of course, not be taken literally. The meaning is, The two babes within your womb will become rival nations. ) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The Malachi context is similar. Here too the starting-point is certainly personal: Was not Esau Jacob s brother & yet I loved Jacob but Esau I hated. Paul had every right, therefore, to apply these passages to persons, as he did.) Objection d. The doctrine of a twofold predestination election and reprobation is wrong because Jacob is always Esau also, and Esau is also Jacob; or, again, in each of us there is a Jacob and an Esau, etc.) Comment. Can anyone really believe that this is actually what Scripture is saying in these passages?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Having examined the objections, the result is that the doctrine of divine election and reprobation, based, among other passages, on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , stands. The arguments against it are shallow and fallacious. See also the excellent Paper by F. H. Klooster, Predestination: A Calvinistic Note, in Perspectives on Evangelical Theology, Grand Rapids, 1979, pp. 81 94.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 14, 15. What then shall we say? There is no injustice on God s part, is there? Not at all. For to Moses he says,) I will have mercy on whom I have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. ) For What [or What then] shall we say? see also 3:5; 4:1; 6:1; 7:7; 8:31; 9:14, 30. The apostle anticipates an objection, whether from the side of an opponent or from that of those addressed; in fact, perhaps even a possible objection that might arise in anybody s mind.

For the rest, two interpretations have been advanced.) According to the first, the meaning of verses 14, 15 is as follows: The question arises, When God chose Isaac instead of lshmael, and when he elected Jacob instead of Esau, making known his decision to their mother before the twins had even been born and had done either good or bad, that was not possibly unjust, was it? According to this interpretation Paul answers, in substance, Not at all, for that is God s way of acting, as is clear from what he said to Moses (verse 15) and to Pharaoh (verse 17).) So interpreted, however, the answer would make little sense. It would amount to saying, God is not unjust, for that is the way he is used to doing things! ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6-45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” According to the second, the meaning is this: Paul, by reasoning as you did [in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6-45.9.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:6 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.15|AUTODETECT|” ] about God s sovereignty, you are not, perhaps, doing injustice to God, drawing inferences from the passages (about Abraham s seed and Rebecca s twins) that you have no right to draw? The answer then is, Not at all (see on 3:4), for, in speaking to Moses, God has definitely declared that he has the right to show his mercy and compassion to whomsoever he wishes. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . What the apostle declares, therefore, is that when he underscores the doctrine of God s sovereignty he is simply saying what God himself also said.��274�� I accept this explanation.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 Continued: 16. So then, it does not depend on (man s) will or exertion but on God s mercy.) Literally what Paul says is, So then (it is) not of a person s willing nor of a person s running, but of God s showing mercy. ) To the question, What is the subject of the sentence? for in the original there is no subject the answers differ. Some say it is Mercy. They point to the immediate context (verse 15). Others go back a little farther, to verses 6 15, and answer, It is being a child of God (see 9:8), or salvation, life everlasting. But do not all these answers basically agree?) Hymn writers have caught the idea; see on 1:17, pp. 60, 61, and on 3:24, 25, p. 133.

Neither man s volition nor his exertion brings about salvation. God does. Election, and therefore also salvation, is a matter of God s sovereign will. Equally ultimate is reprobation.) Therefore, parallel with verse 15 is verse 17. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very purpose have I raised you up, that I might display my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” Since this passage is presented as being a direct quotation, the Lord s own message to Pharaoh, a message conveyed to that king by Moses, and recorded in Scripture note the Scripture says it is advisable to study the text 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) in which it is first recorded.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Its context shows us that there had been six plagues on Egypt: water turned into blood, frogs, lice, flies, murrain of cattle, boils on man and beast. There were going to be four more: hail, locusts, three days of intense darkness, all the firstborn of Egypt slain. Between the sixth and the seventh plague God ordered Moses to say to Pharaoh, By now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with a plague that would have wiped you off the earth. But for this reason did I cause you to stand [or survive], to show you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.15|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” It is clear, therefore, that in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” the expression made you to stand or survive means spared you. There is accordingly no reason to interpret ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 differently. To be sure, the Greek verb has other meanings also, but these meanings do nor fit the Exodus account.��275��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” I agree, therefore, with the interpretation of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” found also in the following commentaries: E. F. Harrison, op. cit., p. 106; Ridderbos, op. cit., pp. 216, 217. God spared Pharaoh so that he might display his power in him, by punishing him and his people. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��276��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.22|AUTODETECT|” That God did indeed fulfil his purpose of displaying his power in Pharaoh, so that his (God s) name might be proclaimed in all the earth, is clear from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.18|AUTODETECT|” 7:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.7.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.3|AUTODETECT|” 11:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.34.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.34.11|AUTODETECT|” 34:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.4.8|AUTODETECT|”

1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Sam. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.135.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.135.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 135:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=44.7.36|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . These passages prove that what God did in Egypt with Pharaoh and his people made a very deep impression on the minds and heart of later generations. Even today when, in the home, in Sunday School, Christian School, or church, the story of the ten plagues is told, or when that story is read, is not God s name and greatness being proclaimed?) 1 18 2 8 0 0 It is clear that when God hardens the heart of a person who has hardened himself against his Maker, God cannot be accused of being unjust. Whether God will actually do this, or whether, instead, he will show mercy, is not for that person or for us to decide. It is a matter pertaining to God s own will, power, and eternal decree. It is exactly as stated in verse) 18. So then, on whom he wills he has mercy, and whom he wills he hardens.Cf. verse 15. A striking expression of God s sovereignty!) There is no reason to doubt that the hardening of which Pharaoh was the object was final.

It was a link in the chain: reprobation wicked life hardening everlasting punishment. This does not mean, however, that divine hardening is always final, See on 11:7b, 11.) ) 3. God s Wrath and Mercy) Does not the potter have the right to make, out of the same lump of clay, one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? ) 9:19 29) 19 You will say to me then, Why does he still find fault, for who is resisting his will? 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, Why did you make me thus? 21 Does not the potter have the right to make, out of the same lump of clay, one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?��277�� 22 And what if God, choosing to show his wrath and to make known his power, bore with great patience vessels of wrath, prepared for destruction, 23 (doing this) in order to make known the riches of his glory (lavished) upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom he also called, not only the Jews but also from the Gentiles? 25 Just as he says in Hosea:) Not my people I will call My people, ) and) Not my loved one (I will call) My loved one. ) 26 And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, they will be called sons of the living God. ) 27 But Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:) Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, (only) the remnant will be saved. 28 For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth completely and quickly. ) 29 And as Isaiah predicted:) If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed, we would have fared like Sodom and have been made like Gomorrah. ) ) A plausible objection is now presented: 19. You will say to me then, Why does he still find fault, for who is resisting his will? ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” The objection arises from failure to distinguish between God s secret (decretive) and his revealed (preceptive) will, Man can, of course, do nothing about the former. But he certainly and rightly is held responsible for what he does about the latter. This two-fold fact is clearly set forth in two easy-to-remember passages: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 2 8 0 0 It is, therefore, not surprising that the apostle continues as follows:) 20, 21. But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, Why did you make me thus? Does not the potter have the right to make, out of the same lump of clay, one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?) The answer rebukes the questioner for his impudence and for his imbecility; for his shamelessness and for his senselessness. The objector calls in question God s justice, and is therefore impudent, arrogant. He forgets that if that which is molded has no right to say to its molder, Why did you make me thus?, then all the more, human beings have no right thus to address their Sovereign Maker. The objector is stupid.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.10.9|AUTODETECT|” This passage about the potter and his lump of clay brings back to the memory several biblical passages; such as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.10.9|AUTODETECT|” Job 10:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.64.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.64.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 64:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.20|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.16|AUTODETECT|” ; and especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.29.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 29:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.45.9|AUTODETECT|” 45:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also the apocryphal book Wisdom of Solomon 15:7 17.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.20|AUTODETECT|” Note: out of the same lump of clay, one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? Several translators and commentators agree with this or a very similar rendering.��278�� Others prefer ornamental & everyday; or noble & common. The difference is minor. In favor of the first alternative is the fact that the context, here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (see 9:13 f.) is replete with sharp contrasts; such as, love, hatred, Moses, Pharaoh; mercy, hardening; vessels of wrath, vessels of mercy.��279��) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The main idea Paul is putting across is this: If even a potter has the right out of the same lump or mass of clay to make one vessel for honor, and another for dishonor, then certainly God, our Maker, has the right, out of the same mass of human beings who by their own guilt have plunged themselves into the pit of misery, to elect some to everlasting life, and to allow others to remain in the abyss of wretchedness.) 22 24. And what if God, choosing to show his wrath and to make known his power, bore with great patience vessels of wrath, prepared for destruction, (doing this) in order to make known the riches of his glory (lavished) upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?��280��) Note the following:) a. God & bore with great patience) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.4|AUTODETECT|” The patience of God, his reluctance to punish sinners, is stressed in several passages; among them being ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.3|AUTODETECT|” see p. 90; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.26-1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.26-1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” 18:26 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 34:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.29|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=16.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Neh. 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.86.15|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.86.15|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 86:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.10.8-19.10.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.10.8-19.10.14|AUTODETECT|” 10:8 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” 145:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.5.1-23.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 5:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.23|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 18:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.18.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.33.11|AUTODETECT|” 33:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.6-42.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. vessels of wrath) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Who are these vessels of wrath? Some identify them with the prospective believers of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . But is it not more natural, in the present context, to think of men like Pharaoh, the impenitent; in other words, of reprobates? It is comforting to know that, as remarked previously see p. 321 God shows patience even with those who are ultimately lost! This explanation also harmonizes with the next point:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. prepared��281�� for destruction) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Paul does not state who it was that prepared these people or made them ripe for destruction. From 9:18 some have drawn the conclusion that it was God. But here in verse 22 we are not told that it was God. And even if it was God, then must we not assume that his action of hardening their hearts, and thus preparing them for destruction, followed, and was a punishment for their own action of hardening themselves? But it is not at all impossible that the apostle wishes to present a contrast between the present passage and verse 23, where the active agent is mentioned, in order to show that here, in verse 22, the people themselves in co-operation with Satan! were the active agents; as, for example, also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.14|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.15|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.23|AUTODETECT|” ; whereas in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 God is said to be the One who prepares, and there in a favorable sense; see below.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 d. choosing to show his wrath and to make known his power) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” It is exactly to hardened sinners, men like Esau (9:13), Pharaoh (9:17, 18), and Judas the traitor 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.18|AUTODETECT|” John 13:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.12|AUTODETECT|” 17:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.15-44.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 1:15 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.1.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), impenitents all; that is, to those people who to the very end refuse to respond favorably to God s patient appeals, that God shows his wrath and makes known his power.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 e. (doing this), that is, bearing with great patience vessels of wrath, to make known the riches of his glory (lavished) upon vessels of mercy.) This reason is co-ordinate with that mentioned above under d. Both modify the main clause (a. God bore with great patience).) It was exactly God s great patience with Pharaoh and his people, his delay in pouring out upon them the full measure of the punishment they had deserved, that provided the opportunity to make known the riches of God s glory lavished on the Israel of that early day. If Pharaoh had been immediately destroyed, who would have become aware of God s mercy toward Israel? But as the ten plagues followed each other, one by one, that mercy became increasingly evident. Note the following:) In connection with the) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.4|AUTODETECT|” fifth plague: But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die & All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but of the animals belonging to the Israelites died not one 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.26|AUTODETECT|” seventh plague: Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel lived, was there no hail 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.26|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.23|AUTODETECT|” ninth plague: No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 10:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.6|AUTODETECT|” tenth plague: There will be loud wailing throughout all the land of Egypt & but among the Israelites not a dog will bark at any man or animal, that you may know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel & The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 11:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.13|AUTODETECT|” 12:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The same principle is always operating. God is ever bearing with great patience vessels of wrath, to make known the riches of his glory lavished on vessels of mercy.) f. the riches of his glory) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.85.10|AUTODETECT|” This phrase refers to the glorious sum-total of all God s attributes. See their meaningful enumeration in such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.85.10|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 85:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.8|AUTODETECT|” 145:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.145.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.6-49.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.6-49.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.4|AUTODETECT|” 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.8|AUTODETECT|” 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 g. (vessels or objects of mercy) which he prepared beforehand��282�� for glory) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” For contrast see above, under c. The expression which he prepared beforehand for glory reminds us of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28-45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” , For his handiwork are we, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. The thought of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.28-45.8.30|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 returns here.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 h. even us, whom he also called) The calling to which this passage refers is that operation of the Holy Spirit whereby he so applies the gospel to the minds and hearts of sinners that they become aware of their guilt, begin to understand their need of Christ, and embrace him as their Lord and Savior. It is the effective call, the invitation savingly applied to heart and life. See on 1:7 and 8:28. ) i. not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” As far as the Jews are concerned, historically only the true Israel is effectively called and saved; as, in many different ways, the apostle impresses upon us again and again 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.28|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 2:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). There is indeed such a remnant. Israel s rejection is never total or complete.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.5|AUTODETECT|” But not only Jews, also Gentiles are saved. In fact, Paul, throughout this epistle, and also elsewhere, emphasizes the thought that there is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. All God s children constitute one people, the church universal: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.13-45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.13-45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” 13 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.10|AUTODETECT|” 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.2.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22-45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22-45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” 3:22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.30|AUTODETECT|” 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.32|AUTODETECT|” 8:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; 10:4, 9 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ); 10:12; 11:32; 16:26. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.14-49.2.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.14-49.2.18|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:14 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 25, 26. Just as he says in Hosea:) Not my people I will call My people, ) and) Not my loved one (I will call) My loved one. ) And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, they will be called sons of the living God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Hosea was a prophet to Israel, the kingdom of the ten tribes. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.7.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 7:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . He prophesied during the eighth century before Christ; that is, during what may be called the Glamor Age and the Growth of Assyria Period. Great victories were being won by Israel hastening Israel s doom! The nation resembled a polished piece of furniture, inside of which the termites were at work. On the inside Israel was being devoured by moral and spiritual decay. From the outside Assyria, capturing nation upon nation, was approaching and threatening Israel s very existence. The prosperity, of which the Israelites boasted, was, accordingly, illusive.��283��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.4|AUTODETECT|” At God s command Hosea married a woman named Gomer. She was not true to her husband. She became a woman of whoredom and conceived children of whoredom 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ): Jezreel, Lo-ru%amah, and Lo-ammi (son, daughter, son). We are concerned here only with the last two. Their names are symbolical of Israel s condition as seen by the Lord. Lo-ru%amah means Not my loved one ; and Lo-ammi, Not my people. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Hosea, instead of rejecting his wife, slips away to the haunt of shame, buys her back, and mercifully restores her to her former position of honor, so that Not my loved one becomes My loved one, and Not my people becomes My people. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Paul quotes this passage from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , reversing the lines, so that what Hosea had said about Not my loved one becomes Paul s second line, and what the Old Testament prophet predicted with reference to Not my people is placed first by the apostle. The sense is, however, unchanged.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Paul s next line ( And it will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, they will be called sons of the living God ) is quoted from what in our Bibles is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b.��284��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 It is clear, therefore, that what Hosea describes is Gomer s sin, punishment, and restoration: a symbol of Israel s sin, punishment, and restoration to divine favor.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Hosea clearly was speaking of restoration (to God s favor) of Israelites. However, when Paul makes use of this passage, he makes no such limitation. He speaks about us, whom he also called not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles. And Peter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.10|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ), addressing congregations of predominantly Gentile origin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.14|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.9|AUTODETECT|” 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.10|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.10|AUTODETECT|” 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.6|AUTODETECT|” 4:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), applies the Hosean passage directly to converts from the Gentile world. The question may be asked, therefore, How is it possible for Paul and Peter to take a passage which predicts restoration for Israelites and apply it to audiences in which Gentiles predominated?) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The answer is simple: the same principle operates throughout. Whether it be restoration to divine favor of Israelites, or conversion of Gentiles, or even both, the cause or source of restoration and salvation in each case is the same. That which brings about the restoration or conversion is ever the active, powerful, and sovereign grace of God Almighty! The rule is always, Not my people I will call My people, and Not my loved one (I will call) My loved one. When that principle goes into operation, then in the very place that is, in every place where it was said to sinners, You are not my people, they will be called and will actually be sons of the living God. What is stressed in these quotations is the sovereign and pitying grace of God shown to those who whether Jews or Gentiles lack the right to consider themselves God s people.��285��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” The next quotation has reference especially to Israel. After reading or hearing ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , the question might very well occur, Does Paul have in mind a total restoration of Israel? The answer is clear:) 1 2 2 8 0 0 27, 28. But Isaiah cries concerning Israel:) Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, (only) the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth completely and quickly. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” The quotation is from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” . The prophet predicts that, due to the Assyrian invasion, Israel will be greatly reduced in number. The nation which at one time was as numerous as the sand by the sea 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) would be reduced to a remnant. Yes, only a remnant would return.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.21|AUTODETECT|” At this point we should guard ourselves against committing an error in our interpretation. It is a rather common practice to say that Paul now begins to spiritualize, by stating that only the remnant will he saved. However, a close look at Isaiah s own prophecy shows that he by no means restricts his prophecy to a prediction of a physical return from captivity, but states that the remnant will return to the mighty God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.21|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They will lean on Jehovah, will rely on the Lord (verse 20). Paul is therefore exactly reproducing Isaiah s thought when he says that of the total number of Israelites only the remnant will be saved. The apostle adds that the Lord will carry out his sentence completely and quickly or with vigor and dispatch. ��286�� In the days of Isaiah s prophecy the rigors of warfare, deportation, living in a strange country under distressing conditions, being cut down by the sword and/or seeing one s friends and relatives being thus cut down, must have been included. When Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, makes use of this language, it is hard to believe that the Fall of Jerusalem in the year a.d. 70 was not at least part of the picture. But see also 9:13b, 18b, 22b.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 29. And as Isaiah predicted: If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed, we would have fared like Sodom, and have been made like Gomorrah. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” The quotation is from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The Hebrew original may be rendered as follows:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a remnant ever so small, like Sodom should we have been, to Gomorrah should we have been compared. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” The LXX is essentially the same, except that for remnant ever so small it uses the word seed. It is this LXX text which is exactly reproduced by Paul here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Of course, seed and small remnant are alike in meaning. If there is any difference at all, it might be that seed points directly to the Sower, namely, God, and has hopeful implications for the future.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.13|AUTODETECT|” What Isaiah, and after him Paul, are saying, then, is this: It is due exclusively to God s sparing love and providential care that the people the authors include themselves and those addressed; note we have not become like Sodom and Gomorrah. Stronger rejection of any personal merits or pretensions was certainly impossible, for these cities were considered the very culmination of wickedness. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.13.13|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 13:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.20|AUTODETECT|” 18:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.32|AUTODETECT|” 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.3.9|AUTODETECT|” (cf. 19:29); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.14|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.23|AUTODETECT|” 11:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.6|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Jude 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 14 2 8 0 0 When a person reviews the ground covered in this chapter, he is surprised about the great number of scriptural quotations (verses 7, 9, 11 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 25 29, and, still coming, 33). It is as if Paul purposely somewhat holds his own judgments in abeyance, so that the readers and listeners may be able to see for themselves what God had been saying in the past. And if even Paul, who, after all, was divinely inspired, made this use of Scripture, should not we today? Is not a sermon all the more powerful and effective if the preacher can prove to his audience, Thus saith the Lord ?) Also here, as often previously, the lesson is: There is, indeed, a seed, a remnant, by God s sovereign grace. Israel s rejection is not total. Election is still having its effect.) ) 4.

Conclusion) He who puts his faith in him will not be put to shame ) 9:30 33) 30 What then shall we say? That Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have obtained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith. 31 Israel, however, though ever in pursuit of (the) law of righteousness, has not attained to (that) law. 32 Why? Because (they pursued it) not by faith but by relying on (their) works. They stumbled over��287�� The Stumbling Stone; 33 as it is written:) Behold, I lay in Zion A Stone of Stumbling) And A Rock of Offense.) But he who puts his trust in him) will not be put to shame. ) ) 30, 31. What then shall we say? That Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have obtained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith.

Israel, however, though ever in pursuit of (the) law of righteousness, has not attained to (that) law.) Though the words What then shall we say? are the same as those in verse 14, their import is not the same. In verse 14 Paul was anticipating an objection, which he then obliterates. Here, in 9:30, 31, he states the conclusion to which he has arrived on the basis of his previous reasoning.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.18-45.1.32|AUTODETECT|” That conclusion amounts to this: Gentiles that is, those Gentiles who have embraced Christ have obtained righteous standing before God. Yet, beforetime they had not been seeking to obtain righteousness where alone it could be found. At that time they had been living in moral and spiritual darkness. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.18-45.1.32|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:18 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.16|AUTODETECT|” ; and cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.14.16|AUTODETECT|” Acts 14:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.17.30|AUTODETECT|” 17:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1-49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.1-49.2.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” . But when they heard the gospel, many of those Gentiles had, by God s grace, accepted it, and had thus obtained righteousness. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, it was not a righteousness based on their own goodness in the sight of God. It was God s righteousness, appropriated by God-given faith. It was a righteousness purchased by Christ s redeeming blood.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 On the contrary, Israel, though ever in pursuit of the law of righteousness, zealously seeking to overtake it so far, so good! had failed to attain to it, to reach it. It ever eluded Israel. The reason is stated in verse) 32a. Why? Because (they pursued it) not by faith but by relying on (their) works.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.27|AUTODETECT|” There was, of course, nothing wrong with seeking to attain to a state of righteousness in God s sight. The trouble with Israel was that these people proceeded from the false presupposition that by trying very, very hard they would be able, some day, to observe God s entire law, so that they would be able to shout, Success! We made it! Paul preaches an entirely different gospel. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.27|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28|AUTODETECT|” 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.6|AUTODETECT|” 5:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The law, with its uncompromising demand of perfect love and obedience, should have driven each Israelite to God with the fervent prayer, Oh, God, be thou merciful to me, the sinner. Instead, Israel took for granted that men would be able, by their own power, and on the basis of their own resources, to fulfil the law s demands.) 1 7 2 8 0 0 Result: though ever pursuing, Israel never achieved. The law ever remained miles ahead of Israel. It could not be reached.��288��) 32b, 33. They stumbled over The Stumbling Stone; as it is written:) Behold, I lay in Zion A Stone of Stumbling) and A Rock of Offense.) But he who puts his trust in him) will not be put to shame. ) Paul now goes to the very root of Israel s failure to attain to righteousness. They stumbled over or against the Stumblingblock. They failed to recognize Christ as their Savior. Of course, as long as Israel relied on works it could not embrace Christ. It was either the one or the other. It could not be both.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” For Jews Christ was a stumblingblock 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). To be sure, for many a Gentile too he was foolishness. But on the whole Jews were far more adament in their belief that they had found the solution of the problem of achieving the status of righteousness in God s sight. And their failure humbly to flee to Christ and to embrace him by faith proved their undoing, spelled their doom.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” The words quoted by Paul here in verse 33 are a combination of two biblical passages: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 and 8:14:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Behold, I lay in Zion a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a solid foundation. The one who trusts will never be dismayed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” For both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes people to stumble, and a rock that makes them fall 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 8:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Skillfully Paul combines the essence of both in his quotation. Even though in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.14|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 8:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” it is the Lord of hosts who is described as being a stone of stumbling, the apostle does not hesitate to apply this passage to Jesus. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.21.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 21:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.4.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 4:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6-60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.2.6-60.2.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 2:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Solution: Christ is God!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Israel s pursuit of the law, as if a person could be saved by keeping the law, amounted to unwillingness to accept the righteousness offered by God on the basis of the redemptive work of Christ. Gentiles, on the other hand, in great numbers, had accepted Christ by faith. As noted earlier, the church in Rome too consisted for the most part of converts from the Gentile world. Paul asserts that by putting their trust in Christ they will not be dismayed or put to shame. This reading of the passage 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” ), seems to have been the basis of the LXX translation and also of Paul s quotation here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.33|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .��289��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” By far the main point to be emphasized is this, that the truth here expressed holds for Jew and Gentile alike. Is it not a statement in prophetic, and now also in Pauline, language, of the precious truth embodied in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ?) 1 1 2 8 0 0 ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.0|AUTODETECT|” Practical Lessons Derived from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.0|AUTODETECT|” Romans 9) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Verse 1) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.20|AUTODETECT|” I am speaking the truth in Christ I am not lying; my conscience bears witness along with me in the Holy Spirit.& The apostle knew that his statements were going to be challenged, and, what is more important, shows that he is deeply conscious of writing in the very presence of God and under the constant direction of the Holy Spirit. See also 1:25; 6:17; 7:25; 8:35 39; 11:33 36; 15:13, 32; 16:25 27; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.15|AUTODETECT|” 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” ff.; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.3.14-49.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 3:14 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Does not this fact make Paul s epistles even more precious to us?) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Verses 1 and 3) I am speaking the truth in Christ & I could wish that I myself would be accursed & for the sake of my brothers, my fellow-countrymen & Here is a great theologian & who is at the same time a very warm-hearted lover of souls! To be sure, books are very important. Every minister should have access to a fine theological library. But what is even more important: he should love people, and be deeply concerned about their everlasting welfare. The same spirit should mark every believer!) Verse 5) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Christ, who is over all God blest forever. Amen. This reminds us of But we see Jesus & crowned with glory and honor 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is the consciousness, in all circumstances of life, of the reality and closeness of the ever-living and ever-active Christ that imparts courage to stand firm, knowing that he is in complete control!) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Verse 6 and Verse 27) Not all who are of Israel are Israel. Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, (only) the remnant will be saved. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Is it not high time that, in the preaching of the Word, the doctrine of the remnant be revived? See such passages as the following: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.18|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.20-23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.20-23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” 10:20 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.11|AUTODETECT|” 11:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.46.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.46.3|AUTODETECT|” 46:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.3-24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.23.3-24.23.6|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 23:3 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.6.8-26.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.6.8-26.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 6:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.32|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.5.15|AUTODETECT|” Amos 5:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Micah 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.4.5-33.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.4.5-33.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 4:5 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.7.18|AUTODETECT|” 7:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Zeph. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=36.3.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|” 9:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.14|AUTODETECT|” 22:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.32|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.23|AUTODETECT|” 13:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27-45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.27-45.9.29|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:27 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.4|AUTODETECT|” 11:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.5|AUTODETECT|” 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.12.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 12:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 8 2 8 0 0 Verse 16) So then, it does not depend on (man s) will or exertion but on God s mercy. ) This passage shows how deeply conscious was Paul of the need of God, every step of the way. What do we find today, often even in church-going families? The children are brought up in schools were evolution is taught, and where creation, if it is ever mentioned, is frowned upon. The speaker who has been invited to address the graduates tells them You will undoubtedly be very successful if only you do your darndest (an example taken from life). What can be done to correct this evil?) When the youth looks for a wife or husband, he (she) demands that his (her) marriage partner possesses all kinds of qualities & without ever asking the most important question of all, Is he (she) a Christian? And so life continues.

Religion if present at all is a side issue. To be sure, by no means all young people are like that. Many show in their lives that they love the Lord and figure with him and his will as revealed in his Word! But is it not true that many too are in the opposite camp? As verse 16 shows, Paul was ever fully conscious of the fact that his welfare for time and eternity was subject to God s good pleasure!) Verse 22) And what if God & bore with great patience vessels of wrath, prepared for destruction? ) If God bore with great patience those whom he knew would never be saved, should not we have at least a little patience with people who, though now unconverted, may still, by God s grace, experience a fundamental change, a genuine conversion?) Summary of Chapter 9) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.33|AUTODETECT|” Paul opens this chapter by solemnly declaring that Israel s unbelief and consequent rejection is for him a heavy burden. So genuine, profound, and heart-rending is his anguish that he states, I could wish myself to be accursed (and cut off) from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my natural kinsmen. In saying this he reminds us of Judah (the son of Jacob and brother of Joseph), of Moses, of David, and, in fact, of Jesus Christ. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.44.33|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 44:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.32|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.18.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.18.33|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 18:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.5-23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.5-23.53.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 53:5 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.53.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 b.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 The depth of Israel s tragedy and of Paul s grief becomes especially clear when the advantages that enabled this nation to place all others in its shade are listed. Greatest of them all is surely this: & from them, as far as his human nature is concerned, is Christ, who is over all God blest forever. Amen. (verses 1 5).) No one should imagine, however, that Israel s rejection meant that God s Word his promise to Israel had failed. Fact is that this promise was never meant to be realized in the nation as a whole. It was meant for the true Israel, the body of God s elect from Israel: Not all who are of Israel are Israel (verse 6). This true Israel includes Jacob but not Esau.

It includes all those, and only those, who are born of the Spirit. In the final analysis who these true Israelites are is determined by God s eternal decree. Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated (verses 6 13).) So then, says Paul, it [probably our salvation] does not depend on man s will or exertion but on God s mercy. After the first six plagues God had spared wicked Pharaoh s life in order, by means of the remaining plagues, now more than ever to display his power in connection with the outpouring of his wrath on Egypt s king and people, so that God s name might be proclaimed in all the earth. It is clear that God should not be accused of being unjust when he hardens the heart of a person who has hardened himself against his Maker. Whether God will show mercy to such a person or will harden him is up to God (verses 14 18).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Paul continues, You will say to me, then, Why does he [God] still find fault, for who is resisting his will? The objector forgets that God certainly has a right to find fault with the man who disobeys God s revealed will 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Besides, Who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, Why did you make me thus? ) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Two facts stand out in God s dealings with people:) a. He bears with great patience the objects of his wrath.) b. While doing this, he is not forgetting his elect, the objects of his mercy.) In fact, God & bore with great patience objects [ vessels ] of wrath & in order to make known the riches of his glory (lavished) upon objects [ vessels ] of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom he also called [effectively drew to himself], not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles (verses 19 24).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” With quotations from the prophecies of Hosea (first from 2:23 and then from 1:10b) the apostle now shows that just as for the Israelites of the old dispensation there was a promise of restoration, so also now that promise of restoration to divine favor still holds. However, with a quotation from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.22|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 10:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.10.23|AUTODETECT|” 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Paul emphasizes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” ) that he is not speaking about a national but about a remnant restoration. He states, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, (only) the remnant will be saved. Also, quoting ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.1.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 1:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , the apostle adds, If the Lord of hosts had not left us a seed, we would have fared like Sodom, and have been made like Gomorrah (verses 25 29).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Paul s conclusion is that, although Gentiles had formerly not been seeking to become righteous in the eyes of God, they had, nevertheless, obtained righteousness; that is, they had by faith accepted the Christ of the gospel.) On the contrary, Israel, though ever pursuing (seeking to fulfil) the law of righteousness, had failed to reach the status of righteousness in the eyes of God. Why? Because they relied on their own vaunted works and imagined merits, instead of placing their trust in Christ. He, The Precious Cornerstone, had become for them A Stone of Stumbling and Rock of Offense.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Paul closes this chapter with a quotation from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” , But he who puts his trust in him will not be put to shame. The apostle, as is clear, has not forgotten his theme. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21-45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.21-45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” 3:21 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28-45.3.30|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.28-45.3.30|AUTODETECT|” 28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3-45.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.3-45.4.8|AUTODETECT|” 4:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.22-45.4.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.22-45.4.24|AUTODETECT|” 22 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.1|AUTODETECT|” 5:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.1|AUTODETECT|” 8:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 (verses 30 33).) 1 13 2 8 0 0 ) ) ) ) 260 ) ) a. S. Greijdanus, Kommentaar op het Nieuwe Testament, Romeinen, Vol. II, pp. 515, 516; C.E.B. Cranfield, op. cit., Vol. II, pp. 576, 577.) b.

J. Murray, op. cit., Vol. II, p. 98; cf. p. xiv.) c. C. Hodge, op. cit., p. 589.) d. G.

Vos, The Pauline Eschatology, Princeton, 1930, p. 89.) 261 Literally, as concerning the flesh.) 262 ) The verb �P�����, first per. s. imperf. of �T�����, here probably in the sense to wish (other meaning: to pray). The Attic form would have been �������� �, I could wish. See H. Greeven, Th.D.N.T., Vol. II, p. 778; Ridderbos, op. cit., p. 206. ������ �6��� & �x ��� �������, an abbreviated expression (see N.T.C. on John, Vol. i, p. 206) meaning to be accursed (of God) and separated (or banished) from Christ. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5|AUTODETECT|” According to S.BK., Vol. III, p. 260, in the terminology of the Septuagint the word ������ indicates anything which by God or in God s name has been devoted to destruction and ruin. The rabbinical %erem is a broader concept, inasmuch as it comprises whatever is devoted to God, not only that which is devoted to him for destruction. The same distinction is carried over into the New Testament, where the noun ������ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” , according to the best reading) means that which has been devoted to God as a votive offering, naturally with no curse implications; while ������ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.3|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.14|AUTODETECT|” and also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.23.14|AUTODETECT|” Acts 23:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.22|AUTODETECT|” 16:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) refers to that which is devoted to God without hope of being redeemed; hence, that which, or he who, is doomed to destruction, accursed.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 263 In addition to the sense who, whoever, the relative pronoun E���� (here nom. pl. masc. �5�����) at times has a causal meaning. So probably also here; and cf. 1:25.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” 264 For the various uses of the word ���� in Scripture see on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , footnote 38, p. 74. See also G. Kittel, Th.D.N.T., Vol. II, p. 237; and G. von Rad, same volume, pp. 238 242.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 265 See my book, The Covenant of Grace, Grand Rapids, revised edition 1978, pp. 21 25.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.2|AUTODETECT|” 266 Both Jesus 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.2|AUTODETECT|” John 16:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” ) and Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) use the term �������. See also the apocryphal writing Ecclesiasticus 4:14: ����������� �P�� ��������������� ���: Those who serve her [Wisdom] will minister to the Holy one. This too proves that ������� and its cognate verb ������� have a wider meaning than ���������� and ����������.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 N.T.C. W. Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) N.E.B. New English Bible) R.S.V. Revised Standard Version) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.6|AUTODETECT|” 267 Note at beginning of verse 6: �P� �7�� & E��, a combination of �P� �7�� and �P� E��. The meaning is: it is not as though; it is not so that. Cf. Gram. N.T. (Bl.-Debr.), par. 480. ���������� is a Hebraism. To be named after someone means to be counted as his offspring. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.6|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 48:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 268 ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.23|AUTODETECT|” In connection with verse 8 the question arises, When Paul says, This means that it is not the children of the flesh (thus literally) who are the children of God, but it is the children of the promise who are reckoned as seed, what does this expression children of the flesh mean? On this point commentators are divided. Some, appealing to the contrast pictured in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.23|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” between flesh-born Israel and Spirit-born Isaac, are of the opinion that the term children of the flesh as used here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.21-48.4.31|AUTODETECT|” refers to the Jews who rejected Christ, while the term children of the promise points to those people who were reposing their trust in him. We have no quarrel with the latter part of this equation. But as to the former, which would pour the full meaning of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.21-48.4.31|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 4:21 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” into ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , with this it is hard to agree.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” The expression children of the flesh as used here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , should be explained in light of its own context. It then becomes clear that the terms all who are of Israel (verse 6), Abraham s seed, here meaning descendants (verse 7), and children of the flesh (verse 8) are parallel, in the sense that all indicate natural or physical offspring. Correct are, therefore, those translations and interpretations which, for verse 8a, have adopted the rendering, It is not the natural [or physical] children who are children of God, etc.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Thus N.I.V., Phillips, N.E.B., Williams, and Berkely must all be considered correct. Of course, those who retain the more literal rendering It is not the children of the flesh are also correct. That one of these children of the flesh, who was not a child of promise, was indeed Ishmael, is, of course, admitted.) 269 That this patriarch had been briefly afflicted with misgiving is also the opinion of G. Ch. Aalders, Genesis II (Korte Verklaring), p. 66.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.7|AUTODETECT|” 270 The compressed style of verse 10 leads to certain difficulties in translation. Also, the word ����� has more than one meaning, although the various senses in which it is used are closely related. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.4|AUTODETECT|” it means bed; cf. ������, to lie down. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.4|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.15.24|AUTODETECT|” the reference is to the marriage-bed; in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.15.24|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 15:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.15.16|AUTODETECT|” , to sexual intercourse; and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.15.16|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 15:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.10|AUTODETECT|” , to the emission of semen. Here, in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” , what Paul probably means is that Rebecca, having one husband, namely, Isaac, conceived (her twins) at one time; that is, from one seminal emission. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.13|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ����� = indecency, sexual excess.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” 271 Also often mentioned as a prooftext of the doctrine of reprobation is ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jude 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7|AUTODETECT|” , but the translation of this passage is disputed. Also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 does not prove reprobation. See the context: 11:11f.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 272 Grand Rapids, 1979, p. 390.) 273 This quotation is taken from my translation of Bavinck s material on this subject. See Doctrine of God, p. 400.) 274 For this interpretation see S. Greijdanus, Kommentaar Romeinen II, pp. 422, 423; and Ridderbos, op. cit., pp. 14, 15.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” 275 The Hebrew verb used in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.9.16|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 9:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is the Hiph. pret. first per. s., with sec. per. s. suffix, of the verb �����, to stand. This verb at times has the meaning: to spare, keep alive. See W. H. Gispen, Exodus (Korte Verklaring), Kampen, 1932, p. 102. Also in harmony with this interpretation is the LXX rendering ����������, you have been spared.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” 276 For a different interpretation of the verb �������, used in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , see L.N.T. (A. and G.), p. 273, and several commentaries, including Cranfield, Greijdanus, Murray. Popular is the interpretation: to cause to be born, to cause to appear on the stage of history.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 277 Or: one for ornamental & one for everyday use.) 278 For example, A.V., A.R.V., Berkeley, Williams, Phillips, Greijdanus, Lekkerkerker.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|” 279 See also the meaning of the word ����� in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.14|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.43|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.43|AUTODETECT|” 15:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.6.8|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 6:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.21|AUTODETECT|” 11:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.20|AUTODETECT|” ; namely, shame, disgrace, dishonor. And study N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.2.20|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 2:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 270.) 1 10 2 8 0 0 280 ) In the original this sentence, beginning with verse 22, and extending at least through verse 24, has no subject. Its anacoluthic character reminds us of 5:12 f. Nevertheless, the unexpressed but assumed subject can be conjectured on the basis of the context. See especially verses 19, 20, which indicate the unreasonableness of questioning God s justice or fairness. The subject or subject clause is therefore probably, Who would dare to find fault with God . In English such a sentence would generally begin with What if, etc.) After the introductory words the main clause is [he] bore with great patience vessels of wrath, prepared for destruction.

This is modified as follows:) a. choosing that is, because he chose; cf. verse 17 to show his wrath.) and) b. & & & to make known his power) c. in order to make known the riches of his glory (lavished) upon vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.) 281 ������������, having been prepared; hence ripe, acc. pl. neut. perf. pass. participle of ���������, here: to prepare.) 282 ������������, third per. s. aor. indicat. of �����������, to prepare in advance or beforehand.) 283 For more on the Israel of that day and on Hosea see Leon J. Wood, The Prophets of Israel, Grand Rapids, 1979, pp. 275 283; and W. Hendriksen, Survey of the Bible, pp. 235 238.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” 284 Our ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.23|AUTODETECT|” is a free quotation of what in the Hebrew Bible and the LXX is found in Hos. 2:25, and in our Bibles in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.23|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” . Our ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.1|AUTODETECT|” is quoted from what in the Hebrew Bible is found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.2.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” b. So also in the LXX, of which ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.26|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 is an exact transcription.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 285 Thus also Ridderbos, op. cit., p. 223.) 286 ) This is the R.S.V. rendering. See below in this footnote. Note the word ������, third per. s. pres. indicat. of �����, to cry. According to Calvin (Romans, p. 373) Paul describes Isaiah as exclaiming, not speaking, in order that he might excite more attention. Now although it is certainly true that even today the biblical truth that of Israel only the remnant (never the whole nation) is saved, needs to be exclaimed and emphasized, because so many persist in denying it, it is, nevertheless, also a fact that, according to S.BK. Vol.

III, p. 275, the verb used in the original was probably no more than a then current indication of prophetic speech.) The expression ����� ��������� ��v ���������� is not easy to interpret, and has therefore been explained in various ways. The general idea is clear enough from the context: God will take definite and vigorous action. He will carry out his sentence completely and quickly. Punishment will not be postponed and will be severe. In the present context this also implies that Israel will be cut down to size. Only a remnant will be saved.) 287 Or against.) 288 Note �P� ������, third per. s. aor. act. indicat. of �����, here probably in the sense of to attain to, reach, come up to, overtake.

Also see N.T.C. on Luke, p. 634.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” 289 It is, therefore probably incorrect to say that Paul s wording varies from the Hebrew. (Murray. op. cit., p. 45). The real question is, Was the LXX rendering of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.28.16|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 28:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 based on the masoretic text, and was that the text Paul, too, had in mind? If not, then the difficulty disappears entirely, and one no longer has to say, The Hebrew really means will not make haste, but the apostle is following the LXX text. ) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) ) )