Election In Its Context
ELECTION IN ITS CONTEXT
ROMANS 9:14-16
God is just because no one deserves to be saved.
We have pointed out that it was a habit of Paul in argument to pursue one end with ruthless logic. Consequently, to take a verse or a section of an argument out of its context may be to distort truth. Scripture must be taken as a whole, and statement balanced and conditioned by statement.
Now, if Paul’s words are considered without these precautions he would appear to be saying that God can do exactly what he wishes and no one can question his justice and, secondly, that people can desire salvation with the passion and purpose of one who runs to win a race but be denied it because, without shred of explanation, God has decreed otherwise.
This cannot be true. First, although God is all-powerful, he cannot act in any way contrary to his nature. He is perfect love and he cannot act otherwise than in love. He is ultimate justice and cannot do other than justly. “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” said Abraham in a phrase of great insight. He is perfect wisdom, and cannot do other than wisely.
Secondly, consider the breadth and balance of Jesus’ statements. Recognizing the work of his Father, he states a complementary truth: “… him who comes to me I will not [under any circumstances] reject” (John 6:37). (The parenthesis attempts to do justice to the emphatic Greek negatives.) His invitation goes to all who will respond: “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened ...” (Matthew 11:28).
Thirdly, if we look ahead to Paul’s later argument in 11:25-32, “we will see that God’s grace is much wider than anyone dared hope; what he desired was not their doom but their salvation” (adapted from F.F. Bruce, Tyndale NT Commentary on Romans).
To think over Think about God’s mercy, that he does not desire the death of a sinner. God loves the world and he wants us to tell the world of his love. Who can you share the good news of Jesus with today?