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NASB | Romans 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOMEVER I HAVE COMPASSION." [Ex 33:19] |
Bible Question:
According to this verse, does God have to be merciful? Romans 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." The answer is no. God's essential nature is goodness, not mercy. God can be merciful because he's good, but he's not obligated to show mercy. It is totally up to him. Ps 34:8, "O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" Peace, Lionstrong |
Bible Answer: Greetings Lionstrong! I would agree that God is under no external pressure to be merciful. I would also agree with Steve that we have to claim to God's mercy, other than the promises of Scripture. His mercy is based upon Himself and nothing else. The question though is whether or not God extends that mercy arbitrarily. In that light, how would you equate Rom. 9:15 and Rom. 11:32? I have dealt with Rom. 9-11 on another thread, but I'll give you my short summary here. Chapter 9: Israel is a people of faith, but birth. The Jews felt this was unfair, so Paul makes the case that God is allowed to work with people's destinies any way He sees fit. Look at the example of Jacob and Esau. He choose to extend His covenant through Jacob, but rejected Esau before they were even born. This choice was one of use, not salvation. That is His right. Now, those who are not Israel, can become Israel. Chapter 10: How do the Gentiles become part of Israel, while Israel failed to do so? They came in faith. And, whosoever calls upon the Lord will be saved. Chapter 11: What about the Jews then? Has God rejected them? No, they are His forknown people. Just as He grafted in Gentiles by faith, so also He can graft in Jews, if they do not continue in their unbelief. This has been God's plan all along. Key Verses of Romans: Romans 11:32 - "For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all." To me, this is the beauty of the Gospel. Paul lays out the case in the beginning of Romans that we are all sinners, Jew or Gentile. And, he ends Romans with the revelations that God's plan in Election is to have mercy on all, Jew and Gentile. But, all of this comes from God, not us. That's why it is grace and mercy. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |