Romans 9

Read Romans 9.

            I’d be lying if I said I completely understood this chapter. It delves into matters that have plagued readers of the Scripture for centuries, especially the question, “Why are some saved and not others?” That question has been called the crux theologorum, or the theologians’ cross. Let me at least offer some thoughts.

            First, this chapter, along with 10 and 11, makes the most sense within the book’s theme is what I’ve been saying, namely, how has God been faithful to His promises to Israel, especially if most of Israel doesn’t believe in God’s Messiah? Look at how Paul sets it up: they are the race that has all the advantages (vv. 4-5), but not every biological, historical Israelite is actually the true Israel. That’s a point he’s made several times already. Those who truly belong to God’s holy people are those who receive God’s plans and purposes and promises in faith.

            I think that’s an important point. I think. Here’s why: I’m not sure the chapter is about individual salvation. That is, I’m not sure Paul is addressing the question, “Why are some saved and not others?” In verse 17, Paul brings up Pharaoh, and I don’t think he’s talking about whether the Pharaoh of the Exodus era was personally saved. I think he’s talking about the nation of Egypt, encapsulated in its ruler, Pharaoh. That would make sense of verse 22 where Paul alludes to the fact that the Gentiles, “the objects of God’s wrath,” have actually been included in His salvation.

            So, on the one hand, it seems like Paul is talking about personal salvation; on the other, I’m suggesting he’s still talking about God’s faithfulness to His promises to Israel. And God has been faithful to those promises—if you understand Israel correctly. The promises were not made just to one nation of the earth, just to one race. They were made to all who would believe. Israel was never meant to be just Israel. And that’s good news for we latter day believers, Gentiles all.