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Romans Chapter Nine

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Origin and deprivation of the Salvation

A.  The first origin of the salvation ---- the sovereign selection of God:

1. The original position of the Israel (v.1-5);

2. The election is through the promise of God (v.6-9);

3. The election is not through the works of man (v.10-13);

B.  The second origin of the salvation ---- the sovereign mercy of God:

1. The merciful sovereignty of God (v.14-18);

2. The parable of the potter (v.19-21);

3. The two-sided mercy of God:

a.    The two-sided mercy (v.22-24);

b.    The mercy to the gentiles (v.25-26);

c.The mercy to the Israel (v.27-29);

C.  The deprivation of God ---- the Israel sought it by the works of the law, not by faith (v.30-33);

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Rom. 9:1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit,

YLT: “Truth I say in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing testimony with me in the Holy Spirit,”

Literal Meaning:I tell the truth in Christ”, “in Christ”, it means that he speaks before God and he himself takes the responsibility in order to show that his words is true and faithful (see 2Cor. 2:17). Therefore, he adds, “I am not lying”, to strengthen the verity and faithfulness of his words.

  “My conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit”, the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit together (Rom. 8:16). This verse shows that the Spirit bears witness with our conscience. Both of the two verses unveil that: 1) our conscience is in our spirit; 2) conscience is an important function of our spirit.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Two basic conditions for we Christians to speak to others are necessary: a) absolute true without lies; b) our conscience shall bear witness in the Spirit.

2)    Two basic elements for the testimony of the life of Christians should be prepared: a) “in Christ”; b) “in the Holy Spirit”;

3)    A man who lives in Christ and is untied with Him will never lie, for Christ is not Yes and No, but in Him is Yes (2Cor. 1:19).

4)    All the truth and reality are “in Christ”. Without Christ, everything is empty and vain.

5)    One’s conscience is only reliable when the Spirit shines in him.

6)    The witness bore by man’s conscience in the enlightenment and inspiration of the Spirit is credible and valuable, for he has dual judgment of the Spirit and conscience.

 

Rom. 9:2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart.

YLT: “that I have great grief and unceasing pain in my heart --”

Literal Meaning:great sorrow”, “sorrow” means heartbreak; “great” shows that he sorrowed extremely.

“And continual grief in my heart”, “grief”, it is mostly used to describe the physical pain and also “mental pain”.

This verse indicates that his sorrow and grief are: 1) very great; 2) unceasingly;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Great sorrow and joy are connected (Rom. 8:31-39). One who is joyful on account of his being saved will have great sorrow for others ---- “my brethren” ---- who have not been saved.

2)    Men in the world usually desire to let others loss but he profits. The spiritual Paul would rather be accursed than profit for others. This should be the principle for every Christian’s walking.

 

Rom. 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

YLT: “for I was wishing, I myself, to be anathema from the Christ -- for my brethren, my kindred, according to the flesh,”

Literal Meaning:my brethren my countrymen according to the flesh”, in the epistles of Paul, “brethren” are mostly refer to brethren in the Lord (see Rom. 12:1; 14:15), but here “brethren” is synonymous with “my countrymen according to the flesh”. Both of them refer to the Israel (see v.4).

  “Were accursed”, it means that he will be cast out of the Judaism and be cursed. Here, Paul indicates that he is delivered to the wrath of God and perishes forever (see 1Cor. 12:3; 16:22; Gal. 1:8-9).

“That I myself from Christ”, to be separated from the love of Christ; actually, it is impossible (see Rom. 8:35-39).

  I could wish”, it suggested that he was willing to replace the penalty of his brethren if it would help them to receive the salvation.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Men in the world like to gain profit at the loss of others. The principle of the conversation of Christians is: one would rather suffer loss than let others gain.

2)    The children of God should be willing to suffer pain for the sake of the salvation for the souls of men, even though the pain is extreme grievous. One who loves man’s soul is willing to pay any cost for being saved of others.

3)    For the sake of Paul’s love toward his brethren, he could wish that I himself were accursed from Christ”. This is a perfect testimony that the spirit of Christ is on him. Since the incarnated Christ took part in the same blood and flesh (Heb. 2:14), we were “His countrymen according to the flesh”. He had become a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) ---- “His countrymen according to the flesh” ---- and was even separated from God the Father (see Matt. 27:46) for the purpose of perfecting the salvation for us.

4)    Paul said that if the Israel were not saved, he would rather not be saved. It is spoken casually or emotionally, but is caused by the burden of the urgent need. Man usually imitates the words of others’ prayers, but has no power in vain, for he has no burden. Provided that one has the real conviction that if God does not hear his prayer, he will not rise, and God will hear him. The most important is the burden.

5)    One who really loves sinners and would rather sacrifice himself to wish others would be saved is the best evangelist who preaches the salvation of Christ. No wonder that the influence of Paul spread the whole world in his days and from generation to generation.

6)    In the Old Testament and the New Testament, the two greatest servants of God had the spirit of “sacrificing himself but perfecting the house of God” (see Ex. 32:32). Today, if we want to be a servant of the Lord, we should also seek this spirit.

7)    May the Lord make us a “great” man who has an enlarged heart and bears in mind the interest of others, not himself.

8)    If we only care for our own spiritual pursuit but have no feeling towards our family members, friends, classmates or colleagues, lest we love ourselves more than those who are of the Lord.

 

Rom. 9:4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises;

YLT: “who are Israelites, whose the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the lawgiving, and the service, and the promises,”

Meaning of Words: Israel”: prince of God;

Literal Meaning:who are Israelites, Israelites”, it is used by the Jews to address them after the return of the remnant in order to show that they are elect of God.

“To whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises”, “adoption”, all the Israelites are “sons of God” (see Ex. 4:22-23; Jer. 31:9; Hos. 11:1).

The glory” refers to the manifestation of God ---- God is with the Israelites (see Ex. 16:7, 10; Lev. 6:23; Num. 16:19).

“The covenants” referred to the covenants that God had made with the Israelites, e.g. the covenants of Abraham (Gen. 15:17-21; 17:1-8), the covenants of Moses (Ex. 19:5; 24:1-4), the covenants of the Levites (Num. 25:12-13; Jer. 33:21; Mal. 2:4-5), the covenants of David (2Sam. 7; 23:5; Ps. 89:3-4, 28-29; 132:11-12) and etc.

“The giving of the law” refers to the Law of Moses.

“The service of God” relates to the circumcision and sacrifice and etc. Some Bible exegetes think it refers particularly to the worship and service in the Holy Temple.”

“The promises” refer to the promises of God in the covenants, especially the promises of the Messiah (2Sam. 7:12, 16; Is. 9:6-7; Jer. 23:5; 31:31-34; Ezek. 34:23-24; 37:24-28 and etc.)

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Just as the Israelites, we believers also have received great privilege from God ---- they have the name of “Israel”, and we have the precious name of Christians. “Christians” are those who are of Christ and represent Christ on the earth.

2)    A lot of men profess they are Christians, but their walking is unworthy of the status of Christians and they have humiliated the name of Christ.

3)    How blessed to be sons of God! All that is of God shall be our enjoyment, for He is the portion my inheritance and of my cup (Ps. 16:5).

4)    If we want to enjoy the blessings of the sons of God, we should be firstly separated from the world and be sanctified unto God (see 2Cor. 6:17-18).

5)    The greatest sorrow in one’s life is that one has prepared all the chances of success for his children ---- labor, sacrifice and devotion of everything ---- but finally he finds his children are disobedient, rebellious, self-indulgent and self-degraded. Are we like such children to our God?

6)    The Israelites had ever seen the glory of God, but they forsook Him. It is also possible that we, who were enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and have been made partakers of Holy Spirit (Heb. 6:4-6), have the possibility of forsaking Him, isn’t it?

7)    When we believers have been saved, the glory of God in face of Christ has shone in our hearts (2Cor. 4:6). Now our chief mission in the dark world is beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord (2Cor. 3:18).

8)    We are the light in the world. Let our light thus shine before men, so that they may see our upright works, and glorify our Father who is in the heavens.

9)    Actually, “the covenants” have not bound the Israelites, but God, who sets Himself on the position of being bound by “the covenants”. Oh, God is willing to be bound by His loving covenants for He loves His chosen people.

10)  Love is the motive power of keeping the covenants. The wedding contract of believers should be kept in love.

11) The law makes man know sin (Rom. 7:7). It is the knowing violation and double guilt that one goes against the law even though he has the law (Rom. 2:23). Christians have the teaching of the scriptures outside as well as the guidance of the Spirit inside, so our obligation is rather great before God.

12)  God expected to guide the Israelites to come to Christ by the law (Gal. 3:24), but finally they rejected Christ. God wants to let us know more about Christ through the scriptures (John 5:39). However, we finally focus on the letters but ignore Christ Himself.

13)  What is lamentable is that even though God has revealed us that the Bible is the door of the truth, we do not know how to open the door to enter in but ask alms of those who were going into the temple called Beautiful (Acts. 3:2).

14)  The greatest promise that God has given to men is Hs beloved Son Jesus Christ. The greatest profit we can receive is not outside of Jesus Christ.

15)  We should appropriate the promise of God by faith. For whatever promises of God, in him is the yes, and in him Amen, for glory to God by us (2Cor. 1:20).

 

Rom. 9:5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

YLT: “whose the fathers, and of whom the Christ, according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed to the ages. Amen.”

Literal Meaning:of whom are the fathers”, “fathers” refer to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and their sons and etc. ---- they are especially blessed by God. God had ever made covenant with them, calling Himself as “their God” (see Ex. 4:5; 6:3, 8).

“And from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, Jesus Christ is the son of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (see Matt. 1:1-2). It unveils that He has perfect humanity and He is a true man of blood and flesh.

“Who is over all, the eternally blessed God”, this verse is the verse that describes the deity of Jesus Christ clearest in the whole New Testament (see Rom. 1:4; Matt. 1:23; 28:19; Luke 1:35; 5:20-21; John 1:1, 3, 10, 14, 18; 5:18; 2Cor. 13:14; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15-20; 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:3, 8; 2Pet. 1:1; Rev. 1:13-18; 22:13). It reveals that He has perfect deity and truly He is God. He is true man and true God.

According to punctuation, this verse has three different ways of translation: 1) “God who is over all is the eternally blessed One”; 2) “the One who is over all is the eternally blessed God”; 3) “He is over all. May God eternally be blessed”;

Amen”, yes. The word is true and expressing the sincere will of the speaker.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Just as the Israelites had the godly fathers in vain, they rebelled against God. Today, some people can be in touch with many godly ones (including their parents, friends, classmates, teachers and etc.), but they are still lost in the world and sin. How terrible!

2)    One’s attitude toward Christ shall totally decide his destiny. How a believer responds to the calling of Christ also decides his spiritual future.

3)    For if we have died together with Christ, we shall also live together. If we endure, we shall also reign together. If we deny, he also will deny us (2Tim. 2:11-12).

 

Rom. 9:6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,

YLT: “And it is not possible that the word of God hath failed; for not all who of Israel are these Israel;”

Meaning of Words: take no effect”: be cast, fail, fall away, take none effect;

Literal Meaning: “but it is not that the word of God has taken no effect”, “the word of God” refers to the word that God had promised to the Israel in the scriptures. “Has taken no effect”, it means that the ship deviates from its usual sea route and can never reach at the destination. The problem does not lie in God’s promises, but the Israelites. Most of them have failed in keeping standing on the position that inherits the promise of God.

For they are not all Israel who are of Israel”, the meaning of this verse is similar to this verse: “he is not a Jew who one outwardly…but he a Jew inwardly” (Rom. 2:28-29).

The Israelites cannot inherit the portion that God has promised through their physical relationship, but through the faith in the promises of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The word that goes forth out of the mouth of God shall not return unto Him void, but it shall do that which He pleases (Is. 55:11). If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13).

2)    Not all those who merely confess He is a Christian on his lips are real Christians. By their fruits you shall know them (Matt. 7:16).

3)    God judges us according to our “reality” (see Matt. 7:21-23), not the words on our lips nor our works.

 

Rom. 9:7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "In Isaac your seed shall be called."

YLT: “nor because they are seed of Abraham all children, but -- `in Isaac shall a seed be called to thee;'”

The Background:nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham”, “the seed of Abraham” includes Ishmael begotten by the maidservant Hagar (Gen. 16:15) as well as the six sons begotten by the second wife Keturah (Gen. 25:2). However, they were not regarded as his children before God, for God only admitted Isaac begotten by Sarah, calling him “your only son” (Gen. 22:2).

“But, "In Isaac your seed shall be called"”, it is quoted from the Book of Genesis (21:12). God only admitted that Isaac was the seed of Abraham, for Isaac was begotten by the promise of God. Other sons were begotten in the flesh (see v.8).

 

Rom. 9:8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

YLT: “that is, the children of the flesh -- these not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed;”

Literal Meaning:those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God”, “the children of the flesh” refer to the children begotten through man’s natural power, e.g. Ishmael (see Gen. 17:19; Gal. 4:23). He who is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6). They cannot be children of God (John 1:12-13).

“But the children of the promise are counted as the seed”, “the children of the promise” refer to the children begotten by the promises of God only beyond man’s natural power, e.g. Isaac (see Gen. 17:19; Gal. 4:28). In the sight of God, only Isaac was counted as the seed of Abraham and could inherit the blessings of Abraham given by God (see Gen. 17:5-8; 22:17-18).

From verse six to eight, Paul purposefully uses many names to address two kinds of men, showing that the word of God has taken no effect, for the first kind of men were not counted, but the second were:

1)    The first kind one: “be of Israel”, “the seed of Abraham”, “the children of the flesh”;

2)    The second kind one: “Israel”, “the children of Abraham”, “in Isaac”, “seed”, “the children of God” and “the children of the promise”.

Enlightenment in the Word: man cannot be justified by good works before God. Believers in the New Testament enjoy grace through the promises of God.

 

Rom. 9:9 For this is the word of promise: "At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son."

YLT: “for the word of promise this; `According to this time I will come, and there shall be to Sarah a son.'”

Literal Meaning: the word of promise in this verse is quoted from the Book of Genesis (18:10), proving that Isaac was begotten through the promise of God.

 

Rom. 9:10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac

YLT: “And not only , but also Rebecca, having conceived by one -- Isaac our father --”

Literal Meaning: this verse further illustrates that there is also the difference between being elected and not being elected, even though they are both the children of Isaac.

 

Rom. 9:11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),

YLT: “(for they being not yet born, neither having done anything good or evil, that the purpose of God, according to choice, might remain; not of works, but of Him who is calling,) it was said to her --”

Meaning of Words: “stand”: abide, stay; “purpose”: will, the show-bread;

Literal Meaning:for the children not yet being born, it means that whether their character is good or evil has not been manifested. Therefore, the election of God is not according to the condition of them.

“Nor having done any good or evil, it means that whether their works are good or evil has not been manifested. Therefore, the election of God is not according to the condition of their own works.

“That the purpose of God according to election might stand”, it unveils that God has manifested His election before man has not shown any condition that he is worthy of being elected for the purpose of revealing His absolute authority of granting grace.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The election of God is completely according to His will. It is wholly God Himself that decides whom He shall choose, and man has no right to take part in it.

2)    Man cannot earn God’s grace through good works, for good works of man are his duty.

3)    It must be known that God chooses sinners, good man, nor bad man.

4)    God chooses man not by man’s works, for He can change man’s life, but He cares much for man’s attitude toward Him (see v.32).

 

Rom. 9:12 it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger."

YLT: “`The greater shall serve the less;'”

Literal Meaning: “the older shall serve the younger”. ---- In fact, Esau had never served Jacob. Therefore, this prophecy is not focused on themselves, but their seeds. There was a long period in the history, during which the seeds of Esau Edom had served the seeds of Jacob the Israel (see 2Sam. 8:14; 1King 2:47; 2King 14:7 and etc.).

 

Rom. 9:13 As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."

YLT: “according as it hath been written, `Jacob I did love, and Esau I did hate.'”

Meaning of Words: “hate”: detest, love less;

Literal Meaning: “as it is written, it is quoted from the Book of Malachi (1:2-3).

"Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."” The prophecy of Malachi at that time referred to their seeds. Edom showed no brotherliness to the Israel when the Israel were in distress, causing the wrath of God (see Ps. 137:7; Is. 34:5-15; Jer. 49:7-22; Ezek. 25:12-14; 35:5-7; Obad. 1-14).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Ishmael was older than Isaac, but Isaac was chosen (v.7). Jacob is younger than Esau, but Jacob was chosen. It indicates that God chooses man according to man’s relationship with Christ (Christ is begotten by the seed of Isaac and Jacob). The natural age, traditional order, good or evil works, moral condition do not count.

2)    Someone said that it was unfair that God did not choose Esau. Spurgeon’s answered: “It was not surprising that God did not choose Esau, but it was really surprising that God had chosen Jacob”.

 

Rom. 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? Certainly not!

YLT: “What, then, shall we say? unrighteousness with God? let it not be!”

Meaning of Words: unrighteous”: unfair;

Literal Meaning: “is there unrighteousness with God?” ---- This is a wrong idea concerning the above-mentioned fact that the purpose of God according to election is not of works, but of God Himself (v.11-13). Someone asks, “is God despotic or unfair since He does so?” In fact, according to judgment and righteousness, no one is worthy of God’s election. Therefore, God treats man in “mercy” and “grace” (v.15). And God’s such works are beyond judgment and righteousness.

Enlightenment in the Word: no matter what condition we meet, we cannot question that whether God is fair or not, for He has absolute sovereignty.

 

Rom. 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."

YLT: “for to Moses He saith, `I will do kindness to whom I do kindness, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion;'”

Meaning of Words: “mercy”: compassion;

Literal Meaning: “for He says to Moses, the following words are quoted from the Book of Exodus (33:19).

I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion”, it mainly suggests that the mercy and compassion of God cannot be controlled by any other outside force, but are given only through His free grace.

“Mercy”, it is the response to men’s poor condition in outside actions; “compassion” refers to the inner feeling toward the poor condition of men.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God never treats man unrighteous (see v.14). He likes to give grace to man in the bowel of compassion.

2)    Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in goodness and truth (Ex. 34:6).

3)    We do not know why God show mercy or compassion on us. But I know that all those who are willing to receive the salvation of God and believe the Lord Jesus are by the mercy and compassion of God.

4)    We who have been saved should be thankful for God’s mercy and compassion. However, if we have been lost or failed, we should not blame God for the lack of mercy and compassion, but only blame ourselves.

 

Rom. 9:16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

YLT: “so, then -- not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is doing kindness:”

Literal Meaning:it is not of him who wills”, “it” refers to the merciful selection.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Paul illustrates the authority of God according to the fact that God chose the Israel but rejected the Pharaoh and God loved Jacob but hated Esau. Yes. The grace that we have been given to has nothing to do with our condition in the past. If God neither shows mercy on us nor chooses us, no matter how we exert ourselves, we will not be saved. We should give many thanks to the unconditional love of God.

2)    That God gives His mercy to man does not on account of man’s endeavor in his will, works or morality, but of God’s authority. In the process of man’s history, man has the authority of actions.

3)    Man’s will and running do not make any contribution, nor perfect anything, unless God shows us His mercy and blessing. Believers should also rely on God’s mercy and blessing in the service in the assembly.

4)    Morgan said, “our will and running are insufficient to bring us the salvation that we need or lead us into all the blessings of salvation. We cannot will nor endeavor to obtain the salvation through ourselves. It is completely the sovereignty of God that man can be saved.”

5)    Though man’s will and running are not the basic or decisive elements concerning salvation, it does not mean God does not need our will and running at all ---- the water of life is given to the one who “wills” (Rev. 22:17). The narrow gate is given to the one who “strives earnestly” to enter in (Luke 13:24).

6)    Christians should have a balanced view on God’s mercy and man’s will and running. On one hand, Paul “often proposed”. And on the other hand he always beseeched at his prayers…by the will of God” (Rom. 1:10). On one hand, he “pursued” (Phil. 3:12-14; 1Cor. 9:24, 26). And on the other hand, he asked God to accomplish all according to His mighty power (Eph. 3:20).

 

Rom. 9:17 For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth."

YLT: “for the Writing saith to Pharaoh -- `For this very thing I did raise thee up, that I might shew in thee My power, and that My name might be declared in all the land;'”

The Background: the Pharaoh in this verse was the king of Egypt who blocked the Israel from going out of Egypt and opposed to Jehovah God. Apparently, it seems that God made him hardened (see v.18; Ex. 4:21; 7:3, 13, 21 and etc.). Actually, it was because they did not know God on purpose (Ex. 5:2) and exalted him above God. Therefore, God gave him up to a increasing hardened heart.

Literal Meaning: “for the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, the following verse was quoted from the Book of Exodus (9:16), in which God spoke these words to the Pharaoh through Moses. Here, the apostle Paul again made the Scriptures personified ---- “the Scripture says”, unveiling that the words of God had become the Scriptures. Therefore, the Scripture is the words of God.

For this very purpose I have raised you up, God, for the sake of His own purpose, made the Pharaoh the governor of Egypt and Egypt a strong country on the earth in the ancient times.

“That I may show My power in you”, the incident that God brought the Israel out of Egypt made the nations around know the name and power of Jehovah God (see Ex. 15:14-15; Jos. 2:10-11; 9:9; 1Sam. 4:8).

Enlightenment in the Word: the will of God decides the rise and fall of the nations in this age. Men who know God usually ask God to manifest His own authority on the affairs of the nations through prayers to God.

 

Rom. 9:18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.

YLT: “so, then, to whom He willeth, He doth kindness, and to whom He willeth, He doth harden.”

Literal Meaning:He has mercy on whom He wills, it repeats the first half of verse 19 in chapter 33 of the Book of Exodus and also responds to verse 15 of this chapter.

 “And whom He wills He hardens”, it means God makes the Pharaoh and Egyptians “hardened” (Ex. 7:3; 9:12; 14:4, 17). It is a conclusion of verse 17 of this chapter.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The love and grace of God can only given to those who are worthy of Him. However, His mercy can visit those who are mostly unworthy of God like us. He raises us up from the low position and makes us the objects of His election.

2)    After man has heard God’s words, he will either receive or more hardened. This is the principle. It seems that God hardens him, but actually the real reason is that man himself is unwilling, so God will give him up to hardness.

 

Rom. 9:19 You will say to me then, "Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?"

YLT: “Thou wilt say, then, to me, `Why yet doth He find fault? for His counsel who hath resisted?'”

Literal Meaning: “you will say to me then, the word “you” generally refers to those unbelievers who do not agree about God’s ways.

 Why does He still find fault?” ---- Since man’s hardness is caused by man himself, God should not find man’s fault.

 For who has resisted His will?” ---- It means that since man can do nothing outside the will of God, if man has such faults, God should not require man to take the responsibility.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Why does…”, it shows the rebellious nature of the flesh. “Yes, Father”, it is the Spirit of Son of Christ (Matt. 11:26).

2)    The sun that melts ice and snow hardens the soil. The sun that makes the color of the dress fade away tans men. God who shows mercy to those whose heart are contrite and broken also renders men are unwilling to repent hardened. He who refuses grace will not receive grace.

 

Rom. 9:20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?"

YLT: “nay, but, O man, who art thou that art answering again to God? shall the thing formed say to Him who did form , Why me didst thou make thus?”

Literal Meaning: “but indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God?” ---- The rebellious words in verse 19 is beyond the position of man. A man even dares to question God like this.

  Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this? ---- According to the meaning of the words, it is quoted from the Book of Isaiah (45:9; 29:16). The Creator has absolute sovereignty over the creature. God creates as He likes. Any creature has no right to call in question.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Man should seek to understand the principle of the works of God (Ps. 103:7), but has not right to ask God to explain His works.

2)    God is a God who works according to the counsel of his own will. We should not reason with Him or contest with Him. The will of God is the standard of measuring everything. The sovereignty of God is the answer of every question.

 

Rom. 9:21 Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

YLT: “hath not the potter authority over the clay, out of the same lump to make the one vessel to honour, and the one to dishonour?”

Literal Meaning:one vessel for honor”, the vessel meeting for the master's use (2Tim. 2:21). “Vessel for dishonor”, it refers to the vessel that has not reached the standard of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    But in the assembly (a great house), we are all vessels that God has made for Himself. But there is the distinction of “honoranddishonor” (2Tim. 2:20).

2)    If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work (2Tim. 2:21).

 

Rom. 9:22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

YLT: “And if God, willing to shew the wrath and to make known His power, did endure, in much long suffering, vessels of wrath fitted for destruction,”

Meaning of Words: “show”: display, present; “make…know”: manifest; “prepare”: adjust, fit;

Literal Meaning:endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction”, “endured with much longsuffering”, it means that God shows two aspects of His disposition at the same time ---- righteousness and kindness. The righteousness of God makes Him have to show His wrath towards sinners. However, His kindness renders Him endure with longsuffering and hope to lead man to repentance (Rom. 2:4-5).

  “Prepared for destruction”, it does not mean someone is “predestinated” to destruction, for God desires that all men should be saved (1Tim. 2:4), and is not willing that any should perish (2Pet. 3:9). Here, it indicates that God, according to His “foreknowledge”, knows that though He “endures with much longsuffering”, there are still some men who are unwilling to repent and whose end is destruction.

Enlightenment in the Word: the sovereignty of God does not erase man’s responsibility. Though the selection of God is not according to the works of man, man still has to take responsibility for his works.

 

Rom. 9:23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory,

YLT: “and that He might make known the riches of His glory on vessels of kindness, that He before prepared for glory, whom also He did call -- us --”

Meaning of Words: prepare beforehand”: prepare previously

Literal Meaning:on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory”, note that the word “prepare” in verse twenty-two is totally different from that in this verse.

  Concerning “the vessel for glory”, God not only “knows beforehand” that they will repent to salvation but also predestinates them for glory (Rom. 8:29-30).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The potter has power over the clay by his own will, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor (v.21). Then, God will have more sovereignty over those whom He had created. No matter endurance, or longsuffering (v.22), or showing glory are all according to His will. Man should not hurl a question at God.

2)    The salvation of God totally lies in His sovereign mercy so that the whole creature should not boast of themselves. However, thank God. We are bound in His mercy ---- “and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory”, “this vessel refers to we who are called by God” (v.24). Therefore, we should firmly believe that we must be perfected as the vessel for glory so as to manifest His full glory.

 

Rom. 9:24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

YLT: “not only out of Jews, but also out of nations,”

Enlightenment in the Word: the purpose that God calls us is to make us the honorable vessel of God so that we will be filled with this honorable and glorious God and manifest His full glory on us (see v.23).

 

Rom. 9:25 As He says also in Hosea: "I will call them My people, who were not My people, And her beloved, who was not beloved."

YLT: “as also in Hosea He saith, `I will call what not My people -- My people; and her not beloved -- Beloved,”

Literal Meaning: “as He says also in Hosea”, the words after it are quoted from the Book of Hosea (2:23) according to its meaning, not literally. According to the content of the Book of Hosea, Hosea’s prophecy referred to the spiritual revival of the Israel. And here Paul used it to show that the Gentiles’ being saved had early been the will of God. Therefore, they can be saved without going to Jerusalem to worship or keeping all the customs.

Enlightenment in the Word: we once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (1Pet. 2:10). How amazing the grace is!

 

Rom. 9:26 "And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, "You are not My people,' There they shall be called sons of the living God."

YLT: “and it shall be -- in the place where it was said to them, Ye not My people; there they shall be called sons of the living God.'”

 

Rom. 9:27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved.

YLT: “And Isaiah doth cry concerning Israel, `If the number of the sons of Israel may be as the sand of the sea, the remnant shall be saved;”

Literal Meaning:Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel”, the following words of it is quoted from the Book of Isaiah (10:22-23). Paul quoted the prophecy of Isaiah to show that the Israel would ultimately be saved, but only “the remnant would be saved ---- the Israelites that are really of God are only the remnant. This is the evidence that God shows mercy to the Israel and has not forsaken them.

The remnant will be saved”, the Israel that are saved are only a few, no matter the number of the Israelites in the flesh, or the comparison of the number of the Israel with that of the Gentiles who are saved. The number of the Israel who are saved is a few, so it puts it as “the remnant

Enlightenment in the Word: today, though the number of Christians is as the sand of the sea, the remnant will overcome.

 

Rom. 9:28 For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, Because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."

YLT: “for a matter He is finishing, and is cutting short in righteousness, because a matter cut short will the Lord do upon the land.”

 

Rom. 9:29 And as Isaiah said before: "Unless the LORD of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We would have become like Sodom, And we would have been made like Gomorrah."

YLT: “and according as Isaiah saith before, `Except the Lord of Sabaoth did leave to us a seed, as Sodom we had become, and as Gomorrah we had been made like.'”

Literal Meaning: “and as Isaiah said before”, the following quotation is from the Book of Isaiah (1:9).

Enlightenment in the Word: both the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament were under the judgment of God because of the full measure of iniquity (see Gen. 18:20- 19:29) and were burned by fire. God warned the Israel by this, showing that unless God had left them a very small residue in the bowel of His mercy, they should have perished. Therefore, they should be in the bowel of God’s mercy and no longer rebel or sin, and repent to God quickly. We also need such warning today, don’t we?

 

Rom. 9:30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;

YLT: “What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did attain to righteousness, and righteousness that of faith,”

Enlightenment in the Word: the will that God chooses will ultimately lead to Christ who is chosen so that, no matter the Jews or the Gentiles, all those who believe will have His righteousness on account of the faithfulness of God.

 

Rom. 9:31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.

YLT: “and Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, at a law of righteousness did not arrive;”

Literal Meaning:but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness”, “pursuing the law of righteousness”, it means that one pursuits the law and hopes to be justified by God by this way.

 

Rom. 9:32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

YLT: “wherefore? because -- not by faith, but as by works of law; for they did stumble at the stone of stumbling,”

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    No matter the Jews or the Gentiles, they have the same position before God. The principle and way of God towards them are changeless. One can receive the salvation by believing the glad tidings (Rom. 1:16-17).

2)    “Did not pursuehave attained to” (v.30), “pursuehave not attained to” (v.31), “Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but by the works”. Faith is the inner knowledge about Christ. Works are men’s outside labor. It clearly states that true and effective pursuit completely lies in the knowledge about Christ. All the pursuit, that is not naturally caused by really touching Christ or does not regard the knowledge of Christ as the goal, is merely man’s labor and struggle in the flesh, attaining to nothing eventually. What vanity!

 

Rom. 9:33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

YLT: “according as it hath been written, `Lo, I place in Sion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; and every one who is believing thereon shall not be ashamed.'”

The Background: Is. 8:13-15, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the invasion of Assyria would sweep the country like flood. However, there would be a refuge in the roaring water. God would be the “sanctuary” for those who believed Him and become the rock upon which they could set. However, those who did not believe Him and yet relied on other power or resource would be swept toward the rock. And they would be in distress because of this stone. For the stone was not a refuge to them, but a dangerous hindrance ---- “a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offence”.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The stone is the Lord Jesus. He who does not believe Him will stumble at Him. He who does not believe Him will never fail or be ashamed.

2)    God sets Christ as “the corner stone”, who is the foundation of the salvation for the world as well as the foundation of the spiritual building of believers. If men do not rely on Him, He will become our “a stone of stumbling and rock of offence” (1Pet. 2:7-8)

3)    All those who take the vain reasoning of man as the refuge must be swallowed up by the flood of the dark power. However, those who believe on the Lord must rest in peace. It is because He is a tried stone and is the firm foundation (see is. 28:15-17).

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Election of God

A.   It is of God who calls (v.1-13);

B.   It is of God who shows mercy (v.14-18);

C.   It is of the Creator’s sovereignty (v.19-29);

D.   It is of man’s pursuit by faith (v.30-33);

 

The Will of the Election in Christ

A.   Paul’s love to the Israelites in Christ:

1.    He told the truth of love in Christ (v.1-3);

2.    He saw the privilege of the Israelites (v.4-);

B.   He who becomes the child of God is according to the promise, but not the flesh (v.6-9):

1.    The children of the flesh are not the children of God;

2.    But the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

C.   God treats men according to His will, not man’s works:

1.    For the children not yet being born, that the purpose of God according to election might stand (v.10-11).

2.    God chose Jacob, but rejected Esau (v.12-13).

D.   It is of God who shows mercy, neither of him who wills, nor of him who runs.

1.    God will have mercy on whomever He will have mercy and He will have compassion on whomever He will have compassion (v.14-16).

2.    The power of God is manifested in those who are hardened (v.17-18).

E.   God has the sovereignty over men.

1.    The Creator has power to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor (v.19-24).

2.    God will call them His people, who were not His people; and her beloved, who was not beloved (v.25-29).

F.    Whether a man can obtain the righteousness is determined by his attitude towards Christ.

1.    Righteousness is obtained by faith, not by the law (v.30-31).

2.    Christ is the rock for those who seek by faith. Christ is the stumbling stone for those who seek by works (v.32-33).

 

The Superiority of the Israel

A.   To them were entrusted the oracles of God (Rom. 3:2).

B.   To whom pertain the adoption (v.4);

C.   To whom pertain the glory (v.4);

D.   To whom pertain the covenants (v.4);

E.   To whom pertain the giving of the law (v.4);

F.    To whom pertain the service of God (v.4);

G.   To whom pertain the promises (v.4);

H.   Of whom are the fathers and from whom (v.5);

I.      According to the flesh, Christ came (v.5);

 

Be Not…But…

A.   Those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed (v.8).

B.   The purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls (v.11).

C.   It is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy (v.16).

D.   It is not the law of righteousness, but the righteousness of faith (v.30-31).

E.   It is not to seek by works, but by faith (v.32).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou