Intro
Romans 9 marks a deep shift in Paul’s letter. After unfolding the riches of the gospel, he now turns to one of the most personal and theological questions of his life: What about Israel?

If God made promises to the Jewish people, and many of them rejected the Messiah, has God failed? Has His word come up short?

Paul answers with deep emotion and theology. This chapter is raw and weighty. It reveals two beautiful tensions: Paul's deep anguish for Israel and God's sovereignty in salvation.

Not only is it deeply emotional and theological for Paul, but for all Christians throughout history. Romans 9 is one of the most beautiful, confusing, and divisive chapters in all of Scripture.

Paul begins not with argument but agony. His heart breaks for his people—the Israelites. This is part of what we refer to as the invisible weight of ministry. The spiritual and emotional heaviness of caring and carrying the burdens of people. Paul feels it deep in his bones.

Despite their history with God, many had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. And Paul says something almost unthinkable. He would trade places with them if he could. He would be cut off so they could be brought in.

This is the heart of a minister. One who loves deeply, weeps openly, and desires salvation for all.

This mirrors Moses’ plea in Exodus.

Here, we see just how much Paul has been changed and transformed by the Spirit. He displays the heart of a true shepherd. A change from who he used to be, to someone whose heart that reflects the compassion of Christ Himself, who wept over Jerusalem.

Paul lists Israel’s spiritual resume. They had every advantage spiritually. Yet many still missed the point. Why? Because having privilege is not the same as having faith.

Here Paul begins addressing the tough question: If Israel had all these blessings, why did they reject the gospel? Has God’s promise failed? No. Because God's promise was never based on physical descent alone. God's covenant people are not just those born into the right family, but those who share the same faith as Abraham.

Paul reminds us that salvation is not a result of our works, merit, or lineage. It is entirely by God’s grace. Which leaves us wondering, is this fair? How can God choose some and not others?

This is a difficult and often divisive topic, but Paul doesn't shy away. God chose Jacob over Esau before either had done anything. Why? Because His purposes are grounded in His mercy, not our merit.

If it were about merit, no one would qualify. Paul is unfolding a sovereign plan of redemption from before the foundation of the world. God is perfectly just, and His mercy and compassion are freely given according to His sovereign will.

But Paul anticipates the struggle here.

He anticipates the objection: Is this fair? His response: God has the right to show mercy. Mercy, by its very nature, is undeserved. If it were owed, it wouldn’t be mercy. Salvation isn’t something we demand. It’s a gift God gives.

While God is sovereign in salvation, Paul never removes personal responsibility. In Romans 10, he will emphasize the opportunity and the human responsibility to respond.

Peter quotes the same passage in sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2. Faith is still required. The offer is open. The gospel goes out to all people.

A statement that speaks to both free will and God’s election.

This section reveals the anguish of Paul, the sovereignty of God, and the mystery of grace. God is not unjust. His promises have never failed. His mercy is greater than our understanding.

Paul’s burden for Israel challenges us. God’s sovereign mercy comforts us.

Election vs Free Will
Reformed/Calvinist View: Unconditional Election

Calvinists interpret Romans 9 as teaching that God sovereignly chooses some individuals for salvation and others for condemnation, based solely on His will. This perspective emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the idea that human beings cannot influence their salvation through their actions or decisions. ​

Free Will/Arminian View: Conditional Election

Free Will argues that while God is sovereign, He grants humans free will to accept or reject salvation. This view interprets Romans 9 as addressing God's historical choices (ie: choosing Israel) rather than individual predestination to salvation or damnation. This view maintains that has God's foreknowledge to see and know who will choose to believe, but that He does not pre-determine who does.​

Rest In Him
If you read the whole of Scripture, here is what we can agree upon and what we know for certain:

Humanity is broken and in need of saving.
God has a plan that will not be stopped.
Jesus is the perfect and only sacrifice.
The only way of forgiveness is through confession and faith in Jesus.
God will redeem those who are truly His.