Romans 9 in Context (2)
Because of the abundant use of ‘proof-texts’ from this part of Romans to justify completely contrary positions, it might be helpful to begin with a summary of Paul’s argument in chapter 9. He begins by confessing that Jewish unbelief causes him anguish of heart (9:1-3) and perplexity of mind as he asks himself how the people of Israel with their unique privileges could have rejected their own Messiah (9:4,5). How can their apostasy be explained? Paul’s questions and answers follow one after the other.
First, has ‘God’s word … failed’ (9:6)? No, God has kept His promise, which was given though, not to all Israel, but to spiritual Israel (9:6b) whom He called according to His own ‘purpose in election’ (9:11).
Secondly, isn’t God ‘unjust’ to exercise His sovereign choices (9:14)? No. To Moses He stressed His mercy (9:15) and to Pharaoh His power in judgement (9:17). But it isn’t unjust to show mercy to the undeserving or to harden those who harden themselves (9:18). Both mercy and judgement are compatible with justice.
Thirdly, why then does ‘God still blame us’ (9:19). Paul’s three-fold answer exposes misunderstandings about God:
(a) God has the right of a potter to shape His clay and we have no right to challenge Him (9:20,21)
(b) God must reveal Himself as He is, revealing both His wrath and His glory (9:22,23)
(c) God foretold in Scripture both the inclusion of the Gentiles and the exclusion of Israel except for a remnant (9:24-29)
Fourthly, ‘what shall we say in conclusion’ (9:30)? The explanation of the church’s composition (a Gentile majority and a Jewish minority) is that the Gentiles believed in Jesus while the majority of Israel stumbled over Him, the stone God had laid (9:30-33). So the acceptance of the Gentiles is attributed to the mercy of God and the rejection of Israel to their own rebellion.