Romans Part 29

With the opening of Romans 9, Paul shifts the discussion from God's grace toward believers to the difficult question of Israel's rejection of the Messiah. Some interpreters suggest that Paul is turning against his Jewish heritage, but his own words show the opposite. Throughout this chapter, Paul expresses deep love and concern for his fellow Israelites. His criticism is not directed toward Judaism itself, nor toward practices such as the Sabbath or God's appointed festivals, but toward Israel's widespread rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah and belief that justification is through keeping the law. 

Paul begins by expressing profound sorrow over his people's unbelief. His love for Israel is so great that, if it were possible, he says he would even be willing to give up his own salvation for their sake (Romans 9:3). Of course, such a sacrifice could never actually accomplish their redemption, but Paul's statement vividly demonstrates the depth of his compassion and his desire for Israel to recognize Jesus as the Christ. 

In verses 4–5, Paul then reminds his readers of the extraordinary privileges God had given Israel. To them belonged the adoption (Romans 8:15), the glory (Romans 8:21), the covenants, the giving of the Law, the divinely appointed system of worship, and the promises God had made throughout their history (Romans 4:13–14). These themes have already appeared throughout Romans. Believers receive adoption as God's children, look forward to sharing in His glory, inherit the promises first given to Abraham, and live within God's covenant relationship by obeying His commandments. 

Above all blessings to physical Israel is the fact that the Messiah Himself came through their bloodline according to the flesh. Jesus first came as the promised Savior of Israel, fulfilling God's covenant promises to His chosen nation. Paul also makes a strong theological affirmation by describing Christ as "God over all," emphasizing His divine nature (Romans 9:5). Physical Israel and specifically Judah rejected Christ as the Messiah because He did not usher in the kingdom of God at the time of His first coming.  

Israel's rejection of the Messiah, however, does not mean that God's promises have failed. Paul explains that God has always worked according to His sovereign purpose rather than merely through physical ancestry. Not everyone descended from Abraham inherited the promises simply because of their lineage. Abraham had other descendants through Ishmael, yet the covenant promise continued through Isaac, the son of promise. From the very beginning, God's plan demonstrated that His calling rested on His promise rather than on physical descent. This principle also explains the calling of the Church. God's people are not chosen because of race, nationality, or personal merit, but according to His purpose and gracious calling. 

Paul reinforces this point in verses 9–13 by pointing to Jacob and Esau. Although they were twins, sharing the same parents, God chose Jacob before either child had been born or had done anything good or evil. The decision was not based on human merit but on God's sovereign purpose. The privilege belonged to God to grant according to His own will, even when His choice overturned normal human expectations. As Paul says, God's purpose in election stands "not of works but of Him who calls” (Romans 9:11). This echoes Paul's teaching elsewhere that God often calls those whom the world would never expect, reminding believers that their calling is entirely an act of God's grace rather than something they have earned (1 Corinthians 1:26). 

This naturally raises the question of whether God is unjust in choosing some before others. Paul immediately rejects that conclusion in verse 14. If God dealt with humanity strictly according to justice, no one would receive mercy because all have sinned and deserve death (Romans 3:23). Every calling begins with an act of God's mercy. Those whom God calls now experience that mercy in the present age, while much of the world remains under the consequences of sin and has not yet received that calling. 

This does not mean that God is permanently withholding salvation from the rest of humanity. Rather, Paul's argument points to God's unfolding plan, in which He calls different people at different times according to His purpose. Israel's present unbelief does not cancel God's promises because He will yet fulfill His purposes for them. Likewise, God's mercy is not limited to those presently called. Scripture points toward a future time when God's Spirit will be poured out broadly, as Joel prophesied in Joel 2:28, saying,

"I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh."

The Church today represents only the beginning of God's work with humanity. God's plan extends far beyond the present age, and His desire is ultimately to offer every person a genuine opportunity to know Him and respond to His calling.

Epistles of Paul is a course taught at ABC by Mr. Steve Myers. Recordings from the 2023–2024 class year are available on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.