Romans 9:14–16
Ever wondered about God’s plan and what makes Him who He is?
To truly understand the gospel, we must first get a handle on God’s nature. Many wonder why He makes the choices He does.
In his teachings, Paul grappled with the destiny of those in earthly Israel who turned away from God, choosing to abandon faith. He said that true descendants of Abraham were the ones who had faith in God.
Think of Jacob and Esau, twin brothers and Abraham’s descendants. Paul emphasized that only one of them was chosen to be a real descendant of true Israel. Jacob, the chosen one, didn’t earn this privilege through his actions; it was all about God’s choice. Some might find this unfair. But can we question a just God?
In the words of Paul, “What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? Far from it! For He says to Moses, ‘I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL SHOW COMPASSION TO WHOMEVER I SHOW COMPASSION.’ So then, it does not depend on the person who wants it nor the one who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Romans 9:14–16).
Justice and mercy are intertwined, and God’s mercy is extended to His people, the true Israel. It doesn’t depend on what we want or do, but on God’s plan. God’s justice and mercy are connected, and He’s not answerable to anyone.
Paul goes on to explain that even Pharaoh, who opposed God, was chosen by God to show His power and make His name known. This doesn’t mean God is responsible for sin but that He has a higher purpose.
God saves and loves as He chooses, but His holiness requires justice, fairness, and compassion. Friends, His will is perfect and ultimately, we’re all accountable to Him.
The doctrine of election, as presented by Paul, can be difficult for our human minds to fully comprehend. But, I am certain of this: in God’s overwhelming love, we discover our true identity.
As we celebrate, let’s do it in God, as Ephesians 1:4–6 suggests. It reminds us that God chose us to be His children, out of love. This choice, like the one Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 1, might seem puzzling, but it’s all part of God’s perfect plan.
With the apostle John, we say, “Look at how much love the Father has given us, that we should be called His children, and so we are!” (1 John 3:1).
For a devotion on Romans 10:18–21 click here.
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