Romans - Part 5: ELECTIONSample

The Chosen

This passage in Romans 9:16-18 begins with, ‘It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.’ I believe Paul is speaking of the mystery and majesty of God’s Sovereignty and His right and will to choose. Some may call this the doctrine of election. This concept has always been hard for me, hard to get my mind around and understand, let alone try to explain.

Could this passage really be saying that our loving, merciful Father chooses one over the other? Where does this leave man's free will if God creates and elects? What happened to John 3:16 and God loving the world? These questions plagued me.

God's election, we know, does not come through birthright or through works. Romans 9:6-12 makes this point clear. If by birthright, then Esau, for example, had all the right lineage and yet, he was rejected. We can’t use our good works as the standard since we all fall short in that category. And what of Pharaoh, could he say God was to blame for hardening his heart? How could the created stand as judge of the Creator? In no way are we in a position to judge the works of God. We are all rebellious and unbelieving and would remain so if it were not for God drawing us to Himself. John 6:44

The scriptures are true; God is loving, merciful, and Sovereign; and He gives us free will. So, how do you balance all this? I believe He has a plan and a purpose for each of us; He chooses us for His purpose. Ephesians 1:4-6 beautifully states, “ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Simply stated, “It is God who draws us; God who saves us, and God who equips us.” Ephesians 2:4-5.

Thank you, God, for your mercy, for pursuing and drawing me to your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to truly live each day worthy of the calling.

-Laurie Harry