I dont think Romans 9is up for grabs though. And Paul is restating what he has already said. When I was teaching Bible and Greek at Bethel College from 1974 to 1980, virtually every class brought up the problems of the sovereignty of God vis--vis the will of man. The first one says this, if you believe in election and predestination, that God has chosen these people before the foundation of the earth for salvation, that makes much of the Bible a lie. Without that kind of carefulness, you might have a misunderstanding of the Lord and His purposes in your life. Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others? So it even had an evangelistic purpose to it. Well, I think the first thing is the antinomy thing, I think, as you read through scripture, you will see the presupposition of responsibility and freedom. That's the only thing that you can say. Others contend that the concept of an all-powerful, all-good God is irreconcilable with the reality of evil and suffering in the world. People often react as if God's absolute authority in salvation is arbitrary, it's capricious. The category you need to be thinking about is mercy." If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Well, first of all, Ive got good news for you! Rather, he picks men who are available for use and will be faithful to the call. Steve Brown: White Horse Inn: Dead in Sin, Alive in Christ, Ask Pastor John: Why the Reformation Remains Relevant After 500 Years. He says, "For this very purpose I raised you up." No, God doesnt choose those to be saved. And, on one hand, on the other hand, the safety net is always Gods sovereignty. How was it that they believed on His name? It is based upon God's grace alone and therefore we may be assured that His grace will persevere because perseverance isn't based on us, it's based on Him. We watch as those around us seem to be smashing their goals and were stood outside looking in not cool enough for that project, not invited to take part in that ministry and how others are promoted to positions of significance when we too could have taken on that role, or have dreamt of that opportunity for our entire lives. Thats not Biblical. So many people say, "Oh no, salvation is about my free will." Because this is Pauls most ultimate answer in the Bible, I think. Why Does The Fed Pay Interest To Banks Brainly? Pete Alwinson: Romans 9:10-14: when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad in order that Gods purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls she was told, The older will serve the younger. However, in case you are unsure, here are several ways to know that God has elected you; The Bible says we love God because He first loved us (1 John 4: 19). Right. He told his 475- member congregation this right after his 49 year- old wife had died in an automobile accident. Jacob had a brother named Esau. And so, the classic line up would begin, captains picking the most skilful, the tallest, the most agile players and then begrudgingly being left with the rejects me and maybe one or two others for whom sport was not their thing. Everybody should put their ears up when I say that. Hes saying that individual Jews, kinsmen of Paul, are lost and perishing, and this creates for Paul not only a heart-wrenching personal agony, which he describes, but a massive theological problem: Have the promises of God failed? And others say, "Oh no, salvation is about doing good deeds and being a good person and earning your salvation so it does depend on man who runs." *Note: This post may contain affiliate links. These people were the ones who accepted the call the chosen ones. This concept is supported by passages from the Bible that mention God choosing certain people for redemption, including Romans 8:2930 and Ephesians 1:4-5. It begins by saying, What if Now in the Greek it is justif, butwhat ifis okay because we should answer thewhat ifquestion by saying, Well, no legitimate objection can be raised. Ill come back to that. On the other hand, in scripture, and its everywhere, you know, we start quoting scripture. I raised you up to demonstrate My power in you. The Answer to the Question: Did Jesus Want Us to Become Christians? It's volitional. I well remember as a fifteen year-old boy at my grandmother's house, reading through the first chapter of Ephesians with grandmother and granddad and my aunt and the family for our morning devotions. chosen for something! God desire to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians (Exodus 1, 2 & 3), and He decided to use Moses for that course. Some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. 1 Gods choice to save certain sinners by grace is called election, and his choice to leave certain sinners to the damnation they deserve is reprobation. By Billy Graham And I think that humanism says, I need to have an intellectual comprehension of all theological doctrines. So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. This belief is often based on the idea that God is sovereign and has the power to direct the course of events and the lives of His people. I dont fully know why God restores some people to health but doesnt do it for others. Whoa, thats a big claim. I have shared that. Nope. I remember, I went on an around the world tour of mission stations, all over the world. That's what Paul does in this passage. The answer on Key Life. And therefore we may be assured of His love because of His acceptance of us is not based on something in us, it's based wholly on Him. weve talked about that a lot. The reason is that theifthat introduces verses 22 and 23 has really already happened in Romans 9. Some Christians embrace the doctrine of predestination, as we have already discussed. So, in the spring of 1979, I asked for a sabbatical. He was a sinner who had rebelled against God and had mocked His name, but isn't it interesting that Paul doesn't even bring that up in this passage because he wants our focus to be on the sovereign choice of God. That really blew me away. In verses 6 through 13 the Apostle Paul answers that question by appealing to God's election. WebThe Bible says that in heaven, There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4). She lives in the south east of England, works for a missions organisation and blogs at, Prodigal Children: How to Pray For Your Prodigal Child. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Now why does God exercise his freedom in choosing one and not another? Help me to not be discouraged. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Just as Ive mentioned earlier, God, when it comes to ministry, selects some over another to carry his works out on earth. WebHas not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor? Jesus did not pick those who want to die for, the Bible says in 1 Timothy 1:15, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Lord get us back together, we pray. Let me also say that Southern Baptists used to believe exactly what Presbyterians believe and in fact many, many Southern Baptists believe right now what Presbyterians believe about God's sovereignty and salvation. Were not invited to the party, were not asked to be bridesmaid, we get rejected for the promotion that was surely destined to be ours. The category is mercy. Emily Davies is a Christian writer who is just juggling life in a way that hopefully points heavenward. And those things seem to contradict each other. And as you know, if youre a long time listener, Pete ever since the flood has been coming in on Fridays and weve been answering questions and we love getting your questions. Say yes to a life of faith. And thats a good place to be. And the apostle says, "No, no, no God's electing love is just. WebJesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). It is not unjust." J. Ligon Duncan Because that person is holy and sinless, he is more deserving to be healed than the previous person. Has Paul's answer answered the question? Why does God only choose some to follow Him and not others? For full copyright, reproduction and permission information, please visit the First Presbyterian ChurchCopyright, Reproduction & Permission statement. And finally, notice He has mercy on whom He desires, He hardens whom He desires. However, two broad categories Be with Key Life and Steve and all those great people behind the scenes here. Many Christians also emphasize the idea of Gods justice and fairness, contending that it would be unfair for God to predestine some people to hell without providing them a fair opportunity to accept redemption. Some people know there is a God before they die and get WWUTT: God Has Already Chosen Who Will Be Saved? Update your browser to view this website correctly. Kristen is as free as a butterfly. As the righteous Sovereign over all, God is not unjust to grant mercy to some and to harden others, because all deserve His judgment. Its the problem within Israel. But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. He wants you healed. Its a valid question. (By Desiring God.Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central, and audio is streamed directly from their servers. Help me to be faithful in the small things, even when they seem insignificant or unrelated to my calling. Steve Brown: So let's hear God's holy word: What shall we say then? It was an accident pure and simple." Do say a prayer. You guys who are Calvinist and love to point out that people are going to hell because God wants them to go to hell and people are going to heaven because God wants him to go to heaven, deal with it. Moses was also selected to serve as the intermediary for the Israelites covenant with God. And so I started in Acts, read it twice, came back and said, all right, the Bible teaches it, and I dont like it and I dont think its fair, but if God says it, I accept it. He comes from a godless family. As soon as we say that salvation comes from God's sovereign mercy, the first thing people say is That's not fair. And that's exactly what Paul expects people to say, which, you see, confirms that he really is teaching the doctrine of election." What was his name? Steve Brown: I know. Help me not to compare myself to others but to fix my eyes on you, and on what youre calling me to do. By no means! Lets pray together. Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426. The book of Malachi is like that. Isaac, which means laughter, because God always gets the last laugh, right? I have no idea how small I was in school, but everyone towered above me. Cause when you teach, you just, the Gospel sounds different. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4-0');The narrative of Abraham and his offspring, the Israelites, is one of the first instances of God picking certain people. Thank you for all that you have been doing to prepare me. And in the second one He was saying, dont be stupid. God's salvation is rooted in mercy. This is Key Life dedicated to the message that the only people who get any better are those who know that if they dont get any better, God will still love them anyway. If you say that God chooses some, then that inherently means that He must pass over others. A feeling of serenity and security is one of these benefits. I was really impressed reading Calvin on this whole subject. Can you clarify what Jesus meant when he said to his disciples. The story of Abraham is this: Hes a godless man. And a lot of stuff, a lot of videos and audio and blogs and things that will bless your heart. I found that in a very profound commentary. The answer is no, thats not a feasible interpretation. we have to accept that. It will help you understand the subject that he will introduce in verse 14 today. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The question was about justice. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You havent seen the preparation that those people have been doing in the secret place, the graft theyve been putting in behind the scenes. The answer on Key Life. Notice how he stresses this in four ways. Generation after generation of the men in his family are godless sinners stacked up like cord wood for the flames of hell. Think of David, called at a young age to be king of Gods chosen people. Pete Alwinson: Salvation is all of grace. See, the only thing you can complain about is that God gives to some something that they don't deserve; heaven. Privacy Matthew 9:2829; Mark 2:5, Luke 17:19; Acts 3:16; James 5:1416 . Pauls overall point in this section is that God is just in having mercy on whom he will (Romans 9:14). the potter. And its because theyre good looking. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. From May of 1979 through January of 1980, as I studied, all I did was think and pray over Romans 9day and night, every day. Now of course it's also true that God is just in his judgment of Pharaoh because Pharaoh was a sinner. Steve Brown: Some would argue that believing in this doctrine only leads one to be lackadaisical when it comes to their faith. Steve Brown:Why does God choose some and not others? Ask Pastor John: Is God Glorified in Those Who Reject Him? Ephesians 1:9-10 states, And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillmentto bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.. Why doesnt God heal everyone? Yay, theres hope for me. So, God chose to work through the bad guy Jacob instead of the bad buy Esau so that Jesus could come as the good guy who saves bad guys. Thus ends this reading of God's holy and inspired word. Steve Brown: Anxiety and concern regarding ones ultimate destiny can be reduced by the conviction that ones salvation is predestined by God. Abraham and Sarah had a son. P.O. The purpose of Jesus coming into the world is to save sinners from their sins (Matthew 1: 21). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Jewish people begin. (Romans 9:2223), Aaron is asking, Do the wordswhat ifat the beginning of verse 22 mean that Godcouldact this way, butdoesntact this way? Thats what hes just asking. He circumcises himself and the nation is born. Christians who lean toward this belief hold that people have the freedom to choose their own fate and that God does not predestine anybody to damnation. "Jacob have I loved Esau have I hated" is the culminating point of Paul's argument in chapter 9 verses 6 through 13. And you go to ForgeTruth.com and youll be glad you did. And the reason is simple, it is not that God loves one person over another, nor does He consider physical abilities and qualities before he decides. Why in the world would Paul give us such a teaching here? He's not a minister of the Presbyterian Church in America. And I quickly responded again, "But Grandmother, you believe in predestination, the word is there in Ephesians 1, it's just you think that it means something like God foresees that we're going to chose Him and I believe that it means God ordains that we are going to chose Him." And she immediately responded, "Son you don't understand.

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