ROMANS Study Guide

c) This selection of Jacob before birth was so that God’s

“ Purpose in election might stand” (Keep the context in

mind) … Paul is saying…Jacob was elected ( ekloge’ : to

be selected) so that God’s purpose (to gain sons and daughters

by faith and not by natural descent or human effort) might

be “established” ( made to stand).

(1) Election is not God choosing randomly into the future

who he decides on… he is electing spiritual children on

the bases of their choice… their faith .

(2) The whole focus is that faith alone determines being in

God’s family not through linage or human effort of any

kind.

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there not unrighteousness with God? Let it not be! Rom 9:15 For He said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." Rom 9:16 So then it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God, the One showing mercy. Rom 9:17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "Even for this same purpose I have raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth." Rom 9:18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom He will, He hardens.

b. Paul responds to the argument that God is not just or righteous

in His elections: vs.14-16

1) The argument would go something like …” Such an act of

election before someone is born is unfair…there is nothing to

base such a judgment on… because no right or wrong has been

done. It is arbitrary and unfair. “Is God th en doing wrong?

2) Paul declares absolutely not! Here Paul deviates into a another

issues and that is that God is free to do whatever He judges

as right. Man cannot begin to be his judge!

a) God has the right to show mercy and compassion to