Romans - Part 5: ELECTIONSample

Who do you think you are?

In the verses that we are focusing on today, Paul is continuing his conversation with the reader (you and me) about the reality of God's sovereignty and human responsibility. Paul has just made the uncomfortable argument that God does indeed harden the hearts of some individuals (i.e. Pharaoh) for the purpose of displaying His power, capping off his arguments with this controversial summary:

“So then, He has mercy on whomever He wills, and He hardens whomever He wills ( vs. 18).”

As I read this verse, I can't help but be uncomfortable. I can't help but cry out to the Lord, "Why?"

I have so many questions about this...with the most pressing question being: “How can God's sovereignty and human responsibility coexist in the same universe?” Something has to give. Either God is totally in control and I am a Robot and therefore not truly responsible for my actions OR God has given up control for the sake of my freedom to choose Him. Yet, Paul doesn't give me an answer.

At least, I don't think he does. It seems to me that Paul is satisfied with both of these competing truths co-existing without any sort of philosophical or theological reconciliation. Paul just seems to be reconciled to this great mystery of faith. Douglas Moo, one of the most respected commentators on the Book of Romans, wrote this:

Paul is content to hold the truths of God’s absolute sovereignty—in both election and hardening—and of full human responsibility without reconciling them. We would do well to emulate his approach - Douglas Moo

What Paul does do is challenge you and me, the reader, to re-examine the way we think about God.

1. How transcendent do you really think God is?
2. Do you truly believe that God is bigger and better than His creation?
3. For the sake of your finite existence (the creature) have you put the infinite God (the creator) in a philosophical box to reconcile this apparent theological contradiction? (Romans 1:19-23)

As I wrestle with this challenge, I find myself asking a new set of questions:

1. Do you truly believe the Bible?
2. Do these words have authority over you? If so, will you submit to these words as words from God himself, or will you just pretend like this isn't there or is too confusing?
3. Are you interpreting this correctly? While it may be true, perhaps you are just not really understanding what Paul is trying to say.

I think these questions are natural, and I think it is good to ask questions, but don't miss the point Paul is trying to make here:

Who do you think you are?

This reminds me of God's response to Job when Job started questioning God's goodness and justice; God doesn't give Job the answer he is looking for; he basically just states, 'I am God, you are not" (Job 38).

As we wrestle with this chapter, I pray that you don't miss Paul’s response to these questions: God's glory through instruments of his mercy. If you are reading this, at the least, you probably have a curiosity about God. I pray you take some time to think deeply about God's mercy. Perhaps the best response to this struggle is honest questions with a tone of thanksgiving and praise to God for His mercy, and an openness to be an instrument of His mercy in a world hungry for hope.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him” -- Lamentations 3:22-24.

-Pastor Logan