Subject: Thoughts on Romans 9 |
Bible Note: In light of Romans 3:10-11, who is it that desires God, apart from God giving that desire? Romans 3 10 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11 there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Who gives us the ability to desire Him, according to His purposes? Romans 9 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19 One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Is it God plus my actions, or is God's grace sufficient and complete? Ephesians 2 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. I struggle with this as well, my friend. But this is Scripture, thus we must regard it carefully as we can. If I had to answer your question, I would likely say that Christ rejects no one who the Father has called. John 5:21 (Jesus speaking) "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes." John 6:37 (Jesus speaking) "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out." Blessings Curt |