Romans 9-10

In many theological frameworks and denominations, Romans 9-10 have become some of the most highly debated and questioned passages of scriptures.  Many people have taken the teachings and misused them in ways that they were not intended, and some have completely ignored the passage claiming that it is too hard, or even acted simply as if these were not there.  My hope in writing this is that even though we see a hard teaching that is very difficult in front of us, our response should not be to ignore and dismiss the passage,  but rather to see the truth taught here about the nature of God and try our best to understand it and be faithful to what is said.  I am most certain that I am not the greatest authority on understanding this teaching, but I will do my best to discuss what is true about the Lord through his word.

Paul's writing in Romans feeds off of the topic from previous sections.  We see a few shifts in themes, but those themes continue on for quite some time.  In order to understand Romans 9-10, you must see the progression that begins all the way back in Romans 7.  In this passage, Paul outlines the concepts of life in the flesh and life in the Spirit.  The main point is that the Spirit is at war with the flesh and that are constantly in opposition of one another.  This is what Romans 8 is all about.  Romans 8 is all about the victory that is proclaimed through life in the Spirit.  The life in the Spirit is victorious over the flesh because it is Christ who wins the war.  Making those who believe in him his sons and daughters through adoption.  Even going as far as to call us "heirs wit Christ".  Inherited victory over death and new life through him.

At the beginning of Romans 9, Paul begins by displaying his deep affections for Israel to know Christ.  He even goes as far as to say that he would give up his own life for them to know and he himself be accursed.  In saying this truth, he highlights that fact that the God has not failed because this has not happened.  Using the example of Abraham's lineage, how uses Isaac (the child of promise) and not Ishmael.  The way that God decided to carry his name through Jacob and not Esau to the point of even hating Esau.  All of this we see in the text.  All of this is truly what we see God doing.  Even so far as to have control over situations when real people (that he created) made decisions.  This was true with Pharaoh in Egypt has Moses led Israel to freedom.  Pharaoh's heart was hardened and it was Pharaoh who takes the responsibility for his decisions.  God was active and present during their decision.   He actually chose to do specific things and used specific people are for the fact of bring glory to his name and revealing himself.  I see this, but like most people, I am a little unsettled.  This means that God has complete control. To be completely honest, I have some issues with this.  I think I actually dislike the notion of God being completely in control because that means that I do not.  Paul actually shows a remedy for this thinking as continues in 9.  The phrase,  "Has the potter no right over the clay..." offers strong language to the fact that we really do not have as much control as we think. 

All of this truth is hard to take in.  God is in complete control over all situations.  Does this mean that God ultimately choose who to save and who to not save?  Does this mean that some people are vessels of mercy and some people vessels wrath?  According tot his passage, we have to say yes.  The thing that I want to challenge in you thinking is that this is God that we are talking about.  We do not even have the smallest, most minute idea of his enormity, power, and knowledge.  I am not going to pretend that I do.  In his infinite wisdom, knowledge, and authority he decided to manifest his glory by choosing to reveal himself in the way.  What I want to urge you to do is submit to his authority and buy into his mission of revealing himself because if you are a believer and follower of him, you are privileged to take part in this mission and it is not about you or me at all, it is about him and his revelation of himself.

So this leads to Romans 10.  Christ is the end of the law of flesh and those trying to make themselves righteous by using the Law of the Old Testament.  It is Christ who offers salvation to all people as a result of Israel's rejection.  Here is the beauty of this, God in his sovereignty and power made salvation and righteousness (according to the Law of the Old Testament) attainable through Christ to all people (even non-Jews).  Considering that he was writing to the Roman church, explaining to them that although salvation was intended for the Jews, God has revealed himself to all.  Paul then explains that this is calling to all of us.  If we are redeemed by God, it is our joy and duty to proclaim this goodness to all people.  No matter race, gender, economic status, nor geography.  Paul quotes, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"  If people believe, God gets the glory.  The liberating fact in this is that God is in control over all of it.  It is he that gives life.  It is for his glory and that salvation is for any person.  We, has believers, have the opportunity and privilege to proclaim this to the world.  If people do not receive our message, God is in control.  If people receive it, God is in control.  

As I end this blog, it is 1:30am and my thoughts are racing about the fact that God is fully in control.  If I submit to this, he will receive glory.  If I do not, he will also receive glory.  These thoughts lead me to believe that I am so small.  I am privileged to know him and I am privileged that he would love me enough to allow me to be used in his revelation of himself to the world.  I do not fully understand how this works, but I am choosing to obey his sovereignty.  I pray that Red Door as a church looks at this and strives for the same thing.  All for the glory of God and that his name would be proclaimed to all nations.