Faith without religion.
Romans 9: Sovereignty, Predestination, and Identity
In a recent teaching, we delved into Romans 9, exploring the profound themes of God’s sovereignty and the concept of predestination. We began by revisiting the stories of biblical figures like Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Abraham and his sons Ishmael and Isaac, and Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob. These narratives serve as illustrations of the dichotomy between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit.
Central to our discussion was the understanding that God, in His omniscience, established the paths these individuals would take, as evidenced by the promises given to Abraham and their mothers before their births. This sets the stage for Paul’s reassurance to the Jewish converts in Rome, affirming his love and loyalty to Israel despite the challenging doctrines he presents.
Paul’s heartfelt sorrow for his “kinsmen according to the flesh” echoes Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem, highlighting the deep mourning for those who have yet to embrace the truth of God’s love. This sentiment leads Paul to express a radical thought: the willingness to be “accursed from Christ” for the sake of his brethren. However, upon deeper examination, this notion is revealed to be more of a passing thought rather than a literal desire, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and free will in accepting God’s love.
As we explored the privileges bestowed upon the Israelites—adoption, glory, covenants, the law, service to God, and promises—we recognized them as a type of Christ, who fulfilled these roles perfectly. Yet, Paul reminds us that not all who are of Israel are truly Israel, underscoring the distinction between outward identity and inward faith.
This teaching challenges us to reflect on the profound wisdom of God’s plan, where each individual’s choice to accept His offering is paramount. As we continue to study Romans 9, we are invited to grapple with the complexities of predestination and election, seeking to understand these doctrines in light of God’s overarching love and purpose for all humanity.