Romans chapter 9

Introduction

In chapter 8, Paul emphasized the believer’s security and the certainty of God’s love, reminding us that nothing can separate believers from that love in Christ. Now, in chapter 9, he addresses the question of Israel, the chosen people according to God’s promise, and explains how divine election and God’s justice work together. This chapter is essential for understanding God’s plan regarding the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, founded on the inerrancy and sufficiency of God’s Word revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Text Summary

1. Paul’s Sorrow for Israel (Romans 9:1-5)

Paul begins by expressing his deep grief because his people, Israel, despite their unique privileges (Adoption, Glory, covenants, the Law, worship, promises, etc.), did not recognize the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He goes so far as to wish he could be cut off from Christ if it could save his kinsmen according to the flesh.

2. God’s Election Beyond Physical Descent (9:6-13)

Paul reminds us that not everyone descended from Israel is truly Israel. He refers to Isaac and Ishmael, then to Jacob and Esau, to show that God sovereignly chooses those who share in His plan of salvation. This election does not depend on human effort or ancestry but on God’s will.

3. God’s Justice and Sovereignty (9:14-29)

Paul anticipates the objection: does this make God unjust? He responds by highlighting God’s sovereign freedom in showing mercy to whom He wills. He cites Moses and Pharaoh (Exodus) to illustrate how God uses His power and His Grace for purposes that may escape our understanding. He also quotes Old Testament prophets (Hosea, Isaiah) to show that God has always acted in such a way that Grace is extended both to a remnant of Israel and to Gentiles.

4. Israel and Access to Righteousness by Faith (9:30-33)

Finally, Paul explains that Gentiles attained righteousness by believing in Christ, while Israel, seeking righteousness through the works of the Law, stumbled over the “stumbling stone” which is Jesus. This stone, foretold in the Old Testament, becomes the criterion of Faith that justifies sinners.

Doctrinal Development

Divine Election and God’s Sovereignty

• Jesus teaches that God draws to Himself those He wills (John 6:44), and Paul emphasizes that no one can boast about deserving this election (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9).
• In the Old Testament, Israel’s election did not depend on its own righteousness, but on God’s promise to Abraham (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Romans 9 shows the continuity of this principle in the New Covenant.

The Righteousness of God

• God is not unjust when He shows mercy to some and hardens the hearts of others (Romans 9:18). He exercises His sovereignty for a purpose often beyond our understanding.
• Jesus calls all people to believe (Mark 1:15), but whether or not they respond involves both individual responsibility and God’s sovereign work in the heart.

The Relationship Between the Old and the New Testament

• Quotations from the Old Testament (Exodus, Hosea, Isaiah) show that the salvation of the Gentiles and the faithful remnant of Israel was already foretold.
• Christ is the keystone that fulfills the promises given to Israel (Luke 24:44).

Key Verse

Romans 9:15: “For He (God) says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’”

This verse highlights God’s sovereignty in granting His grace and shows that election is not based on human effort but on divine mercy.

Difficult Words Explained

• Election: God’s sovereign choice whereby He decides to call and save certain individuals to fulfill His purpose.
• Harden (v. 18): To render a heart insensitive or closed to God’s will; God may “allow” or “intensify” this hardening for His own purposes, without ever being the cause of Sin.
• Stumbling (v. 32-33): A stumbling block or stone that causes one to trip; used metaphorically to refer to Jesus, rejected by those seeking righteousness through works.

Reflections for the Christian’s Sanctification

• Trusting God’s Sovereignty: Accept that some of God’s ways surpass our understanding and that His justice is not measured by human standards.
• Recognizing Undeserved Grace: Our salvation does not rest on our own merits but on the divine mercy found in Jesus Christ.
• Persevering in Prayer for Unbelievers: Following Paul’s example, who grieved for Israel, we continue to pray that God would touch hearts.

Some questions for a meditation ?

• Ro 9:3 : « For I could wish that I myself were accursed (ἀνάθεμα, anathema) from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh » ?