The Strand Study Bible

Written From Corinth During Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

ROMANS

1864

9:22 This expression ( fitted to destruction ) is the Greek word NDτKUτLσPHQD ( katertismena ). It comes from two Greek words: (1) kata (meaning down ) and (2) artos (meaning joint ). Katertismena means “ down-jointed ; knit together ; fitted to destruction .” According to Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words , this expression ( fitted to destruction ) is in the Middle Voice and signifies that these people “fitted themselves” for destruction, as illustrated in the case of Pharaoh. After repeated and persistent obstinacy on his part (Exo 5-6) Pharaoh had his heart hardened by God (Exo 7:1-3). 1 Unsaved men ( vessels of wrath ) “fit themselves” for destruction. God does not elect some people to go to Heaven and others to go to Hell. Men decide that for “themselves” ( Gen 4: 1- 7 , Acts 1:25 , Rom 10:13, I Pet 1:2 a , II Pet 3:9 and I Thes 1:4 ). ). Dr. W.A. Criswell in Great Doctrines of the Bible notes: The election of God is never to damnation and hell. God’s election is always to heaven and salvation. The election is never to condemnation and judgment. When men are damned, they damn themselves. When men go to hell, they choose hell for themselves. There is no such thing as an appointment or election to hell. 2 God never appoints, elects, or chooses for judgment (Ezk 33:11) and damnation (II Pet 3:9, Rom 2:4 and Rev 22:17). Criswell goes on to note: This is the meaning behind Acts 13:48. 9:25 Though the Gentiles could never be a part of the “physical” family of Israel, they could be a part of the “spiritual” family of God through faith in CHRIST ( I will call them my people – Rom 4:9-16 and Gal 3:28-29). 10:5 According to Paul, those who wish to gain Heaven via their good works must keep the “whole law” in order to get there (the meaning behind “ That the man which doeth those things shall live by them ” – Gal 3:12 ). James reminds us in James 2:10, “ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all .” NOTE – People who rely on their own “good works” (i.e., law keeping) for salvation place themselves under an obligation they cannot possibly meet –perfect obedience ( Mt 19:25 ). Dr. John R. Rice in The Rice Reference Bible notes: The righteousness of the Law, if perfect, would be acceptable and would be a means to salvation; but man’s righteousness is always imperfect, tainted, and sinful. 3 When a man listens to the gospel and says, “I will,” he is elected. When a man listens to the gospel and says, “I will not,” he is not elected. The elect are the “whosoever wills,” and the nonelect are the “whosoever won’ts.” 2

1 Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (Vol . III). Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Co. 1940.Print. 2 Criswell, W.A. Great Doctrines of the Bible (Vol. 5), Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 1985. Print. 3 Rice, John R. Rice Reference Bible . Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Pub. 1981. Print.