Lecture on Romans 9

Introduction

• Marks a new section in the Book of Romans.
• Transition from the themes of Chapter 8 focusing on the Holy Spirit and triumph in God's love.
• New focus: God's sovereignty and His choices regarding Israel.

Themes in Romans 9

God's Sovereignty

• The nature of God's sovereignty in choosing Israel.
• Confusion of Gentiles accepting the Jewish Messiah.
• Connection and disconnect between the Church and ancient Israel.
• Goodness and justice of God's sovereignty highlighted.
  • Different theological views within the seminary: Reformed (Calvinist) vs. Arminian (Wesleyan).
• God's sovereignty presented as good news.

Paul's Emotional Conflict

• Paul expresses deep sorrow for Israel's rejection of Jesus.
• Desires for the salvation of his Jewish brothers.

Theological Questions Raised

• Did God's word fail since Israel rejected the Gospel?
• Paul's answer: No, it did not fail.
• Distinction between ethnic and spiritual Israel.
  • Not all descended from Israel are truly part of Israel.

Key Biblical Exegesis

The Children of Promise

• Children of the promise are counted as offspring, not children of the flesh.
• God's promises were not to ethnic Israel alone but to spiritual Israel.

Difficult Concepts

• Discussion of Jacob and Esau: election not based on works.
• God's sovereign choice is independent of human actions.

Justice and God's Decisions

• Is there injustice in God's choices? Paul says "By no means."
• Salvation is by grace and mercy, not human exertion.
• God’s choices reflect His will, not human understanding.

The Potter and Clay Analogy

• God as the potter has the right to shape His creation as He sees fit.
• The analogy used to show sovereignty and purpose in creation.

Righteousness by Faith

• Righteousness for Gentiles attained through faith, not law.
• Israel failed to achieve righteousness by pursuing the law, not faith.
• Christ as the cornerstone and stumbling stone.

Conclusion of Romans 9

• Paul's attempt to reconcile Israel's rejection with God's ongoing plan.
• Emphasis that righteousness is by faith, not by works or lineage.
• Introduction to the new theological explorations of Israel's place in God's plan.