“"So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy."”
Romans 9:16
Summary
Romans 9 deals with the Apostle Paul's deep concern for the salvation of his fellow Israelites. He expresses sorrow and anguish over their unbelief, highlighting the privileges Israel has had as God's chosen people, such as receiving the law, the promises, and the Messiah himself. Paul then addresses the question of God's faithfulness given Israel's unbelief. He argues that God's word has not failed because not all descendants of Israel are part of the true Israel. Paul introduces the concept of God's sovereign election, emphasizing that God chooses whom He shows mercy to, as demonstrated in His dealings with figures like Isaac and Jacob over Ishmael and Esau. Paul uses examples from Scripture, such as Pharaoh, to illustrate God's right to sovereignly bestow mercy and harden hearts according to His will. The chapter concludes by reaffirming that salvation is based on God's calling rather than human effort, and it foreshadows Israel's eventual inclusion back into God's redemptive plan.