Salvation Depends On God's Mercy In Christ, Not Man's Will Or Merits (Romans 9)

Text: Romans 9

Theme: The gospel reveals the righteousness of God...

4. In Election (9-11)
A) Of Ancient Israel (9:1 - 11:10)

Chapter 9 shows that personal salvation does not depend on
man's heritage (1-5, 9-13), will, or personal merit (6-18,
30-33), but entirely on God's sovereign choice (16, 18). This
truth is illustrated by several examples.

Though Jews are part of God's chosen nation and have a blessed
heritage, yet not all receive personal salvation (1-8). In
the same way, Isaac (not Ishmael the firstborn) (9) and
Jacob ((not Esau the firstborn twin) 10-13)) were God's choice
for personal blessing. By God's choice, Pharaoh hardened his
own heart against God (Ex. 4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:27; 14:4,8; cf.
14:17).

Even if someone objects, God is righteous in preparing some
for hell (because of their sin) and others for salvation (to
show His mercy), because He is sovereign over His creation
(19-23). Finally, God, though He still saves a "remnant" of
and will yet restore His chosen nation Israel, chose to make
Gentiles the main subjects of His salvation in this church
age. This final example of election demonstrates that God
makes people righteous on the basis of faith in Christ, rather
than through keeping the OT Law (30-33). Thus, becoming
righteousness depends entirely on God's choice, and not man's
heritage, will, or personal merit.

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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