Subject: Thoughts on Romans 9 |
Bible Note: Greetings Benjamite! I have enjoyed reading your posts my new friend! You are correct that the word "men" is not in the text. 'All' is masculine plural adjective though. Frankly, I have never been impressed with the interpretation that "all" refers to "all kinds of people or nations". IMHO it is an exampe of reading something into the text to make it agree with a particular doctrine. Concerning the context though, notice that there is no mention here of the relationship between Jews and Gentiles, as there is in some of Paul's passages. Thus, I think the plainest and simplest reading is to take it at face value. For instance, if I send you a one line e-mail which simply said, "I love all". Would you assume that I meant "all kinds of people" or would you assume that I meant "all people"? Unless there is some other qualifying word, "like all brothers", or "all believers", or "all nations", I would take it as a reference to all individuals. About Jn. 6:44, the verb is active. But the distinction between active and passive concerns doing the action as opposed to be acted upon, not on whether or not the object wants to be drawn. Notice though that John 6:44 never says that the one drawn "will come". It says that he is not "able to come" unless drawn. Thus, I see the two verses as saying that because of our sin, we are not able to come to God, unless we are drawn. However, at the cross, Jesus drew all men to Him. Thus, now we are able to come, if we choose. Thus, John 6:40 - "For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”" Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |