I hope that that will help what he has to say in this chapter be more digestible to you because he has some very hard things to say. God's Mysterious Ways: Why He Chooses Some and Not Others We want to interrogate the Almighty. From Abram going forward, God continues to choose some but not all. Why does God choose some and not others? - Pray With No, God doesnt choose those to be saved. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. To view recordings of our entire services, visit our Facebook page. Steve Brown: Gods choices are a mystery: Some believe that Gods choices are a mystery, and that it is not for us to understand or question His decisions. He doesn't apologize for it. And as we travel through life, it can seem that that feeling doesnt leave us. The answer on Key Life.Matthew Porter:This is Key Life dedicated to the message that the only people who The story of Abraham is this: Hes a godless man. Thank you that you have called me to a life with you, and chosen me to play a part in your kingdom. You are chosen for something! Yes, you are right and that is precisely what the Bible teaches. He knows exactly what you need. She spreads positivity and makes it her absolute purpose in life. Yeah. I have shared that. When I was teaching Bible and Greek at Bethel College from 1974 to 1980, virtually every class brought up the problems of the sovereignty of God vis--vis the will of man. Well, its an argument for arming up, right? You can enter something generic, like "the Bible", or specific, like "help But You have a greater design in Your word so humble our hearts to teach us that we might see Your grace. So let's look at what Paul says in this great passage today. You know it's the same thing that John says in John 1:11-13, do you remember that? A person may sincerely pray and truly have faith that God can heal, but if it is not Gods will to provide the healing at that time, then no healing will come (see 1 John 5:14 ). Believing in predestination, the idea that God has already chosen certain people for salvation while saving others, can have a number of positive effects on ones spiritual life. The reason is that theifthat introduces verses 22 and 23 has really already happened in Romans 9. Steve Brown: Although many religious traditions have their own distinctive viewpoints on this matter, most belief systems share the idea that God is involved in the choice of certain people. God is saying, Ill start with Abraham, and I promise to give him a son. Proverbs 16:4 Many Christians also emphasize the idea of Gods justice and fairness, contending that it would be unfair for God to predestine some people to hell without providing them a fair opportunity to accept redemption. Then keep on reading this article to know more. It doesn't matter if the word is used or not. That's the only thing that you can say. Heres one of them, a recent email from a listener named Aaron. Yes, you can say that, but you cannot say that He is unjust. Its the lostness of individuals thatcreatesthe problem its not imposed on this chapter. Amen. *Note: This post may contain affiliate links. The answer on Key Life.Matthew Porter:This is Key Life dedicated to the message that the only people who get any better are those who know that if they dont get any better, God will still love them anyway. Moses was also selected to serve as the intermediary for the Israelites covenant with God. Billy Grahams 9/11 Message From Washington National Cathedral, Summer Soul Refresher: God Will Fight for You. Well, its. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. I raised you up to demonstrate My power in you. I know. And that brings us to the question that Aaron asked about concerning verses 22 and 23. He says, in answer to the question, "Is God's election just, with regard to those who are saved?" And that's precisely the objection that Paul is going to respond to in verses 14 though 18. Pete Alwinson: God favors Isaac, not Ishmael; Jacob, not Esau; Moses, not Pharaoh; Judah, not Reuben, and on through history until God favors Marynot any other womanto be the mother of the Son of God. Why does God only choose some to follow Him and not others? And Packer does that. God desire to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians (Exodus 1, 2 & 3), and He decided to use Moses for that course. From May of 1979 through January of 1980, as I studied, all I did was think and pray over Romans 9day and night, every day. I went upstairs, put my suitcase down, after Id just, 10 minutes before I said, when I can understand this, Im going to believe it. Why does God choose some and not others If Paul in verses 11 through 13 had said, "Look the reason Jacob was saved and Esau was not was because Jacob made a decision and Esau didn't." And well also be answering some related questions using Scriptural backing as a reference for proper understanding. In other words, Paul answers the problem precisely by pointing out that individual lost Israelites are not really part of the Israel who inherits the promises. my browser now, / Programs / Key Life / Why does God choose some and not others?. People are not saved because they take the initiative or chose to know God [ Eph Nor of the will of man. WebJesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Thank you for all that you have been doing to prepare me. Whoa, thats a big claim. He only speaks about God's purposes. And He has selected you to walk on the path of achieving those great plans on His behalf. Steve Brown: God also decided that Joshua, Moses deputy, would take over as the Israelites leader. This concept holds that God has intentionally overlooked certain individuals and has abandoned them in their sins to the point of refusing to extend his gift of salvation. Some would argue that believing in this doctrine only leads one to be lackadaisical when it comes to their faith. You, The Bible tells us that you were chosen from the beginning (. Ask Pastor John: Is God Glorified in Those Who Reject Him? They contend that God is a merciful God who longs for everyone to be rescued. Its a valid question. Read Acts twice, right? As Luke 7:47 suggests, he who is forgiven much, loves much. 1 Timothy 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9 are evidence of this. We currently have 150 emails now about Romans 9, by far the most asked-about chapter in the Bible in the inbox. Grant that we might believe it for the good of our souls and for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Its surprising. And were thankful for that, that gives us strength in the midst of radical change and radical things going on all around us. And then Abraham dies, and he leaves a son and grandsons, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I was reading Romans 9 today and came across what is known to be a very hard-to-swallow passage and God chooses Jacob; he passes by Esau the dispensation of His mercy. You see this is one of the objections that people have to election. It is not based on our inherent worthiness, it is not based upon our deeds, it is not based upon our backgrounds, it is not even ultimately based upon our choice or our faith. Hello, Pastor John! And of course the great point of this passage is that God's electing purposes exalt His mercy. God doesnt. Those are usually the two reasons people give for saying, No, you shouldnt use Romans 9to talk about individual election or predestination.. Generation after generation of the men in his family are godless sinners stacked up like cord wood for the flames of hell. There it is. Paul Sadler READ Have you ever found yourself in an argument that never seemed to go anywhere? Why Does God Choose Some And Not Others David Encouraged Himself In The Lord Sermon Guide, When God Chooses You #LeroyADaley #WhenGodChoosesYou. We need you and Lord even as we think about this weekend to worship, we pray for our pastors and teachers and priests and worship directors and leaders and all those who will bring to us the word of God and bring us into the presence of the living God through worship. What was his name? Steve Brown:Why does God choose some and not others? If we think that our salvation is based on something that we have done well never ever get it or well never ever be assured of it. One of the things that convinces me that Romans 9 actually does teach the Reformed doctrine of election is that this passage deals with exactly the kinds of objections that people usually have against that doctrine. Amen. The question is about God's justice. weve talked about that a lot. The point is, we sometimes have a hard time swallowing God's sovereignty. The concept of free will, which asserts that people have the power to determine their own course and, ultimately, their own salvation, is one of the competing views within Christianity. The structure of this paragraph is: First (9:14), Paul raises and responds vigorously to the objection that God may be unjust to choose some and harden others. How are we supposed to respond to this? Matthew Porter: So, when it comes to salvation, no one is precluded. Update your browser to view this website correctly. So God's passing over Pharaoh was purposeful and it was demonstrative. We cannot talk about God choosing some and not others without touching the subject of whether he sends people to hell. Fallen human beings have a hard time swallowing the sovereignty of God. Manage Settings Right. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Apparently, there is an important link between faith and healing. You have a plan for our lives that connects with the plan for all, of people all over the world and for all eternity. I dont fully know why God restores some people to health but doesnt do it for others. Well, first of all, Ive got good news for you! That's what we should have deserved. To understand the question, is everyone selected by God? We watch as those around us seem to be smashing their goals and were stood outside looking in not cool enough for that project, not invited to take part in that ministry and how others are promoted to positions of significance when we too could have taken on that role, or have dreamt of that opportunity for our entire lives. We are curious. In other words, Paul is saying, "If you want to understand how it is that God's promises have not failed, you have to understand that God chooses." In other words, God raised up Pharaoh and passed Him by because it was part of His purpose in order to demonstrate His power, and in order to declare Himself to the nations. And they really believe that God used it. I know the answer to that one and I am going to give it right now. And the apostle says, "No, no, no God's electing love is just. And there are several reasons, but let me just zero in on one. You must prove faithful for God to use you for his work. ( Ephesians 5: 1-2) Does God choose who will be saved? And so, the classic line up would begin, captains picking the most skilful, the tallest, the most agile players and then begrudgingly being left with the rejects me and maybe one or two others for whom sport was not their thing. Or why does God enable some to believe, but not others? If you click on a link, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. He only speaks about mercy. possible for a person to be saved but not predestined Abraham and God entered into a covenant in which God pledged to bless Abraham and create a large nation. I had been there about six years, so it was time. Then, God shows up and says, I pick Abraham. Hes not a great guy. Because this is Pauls most ultimate answer in the Bible, I think. So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy. And in the second one He was saying, dont be stupid. But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. You know, years ago, before I became a Bible believer, I was a liberal pastor. That, at the very least, should let you know that what he is going to talk about from verse 6 to the end of this chapter is not some sort of an arid, dry, abstract, speculative, theological diatribe. For example, a chair it is to provide relaxation. She has been healed completely and forever! Hes saved by faith. Sounds good. Why doesnt God heal everyone? John 3: 16 says, For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his Pete Alwinson: ', According to what the Bible says, Gods decision to save certain people is motivated by his kindness and compassion. It's hard to swallow, but it's crystal clear. I think thats humanisms infusion into the church. In verses 15 and 16 he explains that salvation is not about fairness; it's about mercy. She is the founder of Pray With Confidence, which has helped over 5000 women focus on prayer through the real and vulnerable advice she gives to those on her email list when they sign up for the free guide How to pray [when you cant focus. We find it sometimes very hard in Scripture and experience to accept God's sovereignty and Paul knew that because the minute he had asserted God's sovereignty in verses 11 through 13 in this chapter, he gets the objection, "That's not fair." Say, God loves bad people. Do you need to be baptized to go to heaven? There is no injustice with God is there? As believers, our only role is to trust in his decisions. What does that mean? The answer on Key Life. Steve Brown: And eventually in these discussions, I would go to Romans 9as part of my answer. There has just been this collective amnesia among Baptists for the last hundred years. When Paul refers five verses later, in verse 22, to Gods desiring to show his wrath and make known his power, [enduring] with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, thats exactly what he has just done with Pharaoh in verse 17. Why does God choose to heal some but not others? Pete Alwinson: These people were the ones who accepted the call the chosen ones. Let's pray. chosen for something! WebNone of us deserve Gods grace or to receive His mercy. In this passage Paul asserts that God and God's choice, God's electing love, God's election of some is not unjust. That's what we deserve. The Jewish people begin. Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others?We currently have 150 emails now about Romans 9, by far the most asked-about chapter in the Bible in the inbox. But I was saying when I understand, like what you said, when, I went to a retreat and I said, when I understand this, then Im going to believe it. And may I suggest that as we approach this passage, if that is your struggle today, that you determine to separate two questions in your mind. Help me to be faithful in the small things, even when they seem insignificant or unrelated to my calling. I found that in a very profound commentary. Why does God choose some and not others? I think that if you have that view, that II Timothy 3:16 & 17, all scripture is inspired of God. February 16, 2012 Steve Brown: Steve Brown: And we just commit this time of Q & A to you now, as we pray in Jesus name. God choose you for a purpose What does this mean? There is the justice of salvation. What do we learn from the very fact that the question of fairness is raised at this point in the argument? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Why Doesnt God Save Everyone So let me ask you a question. Bring confirmation at the right time when I am doubtful of my calling. Isnt It Unfair for God to Choose Some and Not Others? Ultimately, He is the fulfillment of all your hearts desires. Hes saying that individual Jews, kinsmen of Paul, are lost and perishing, and this creates for Paul not only a heart-wrenching personal agony, which he describes, but a massive theological problem: Have the promises of God failed? This is a concept called predestination, an idea supported by biblical verses like Romans 8:2930 and Ephesians 1:4-5. I could play Centre or Wing Attack relatively well but if a teacher assigned me Goal Attack or Goalkeeper well, I may as well not have been there! Ephesians 1:9-10 states, And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillmentto bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.. Ultimately, the most important thing is to have a relationship with God and to strive to live in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives. It's volitional. And. Yay, theres hope for me. So, God chose to work through the bad guy Jacob instead of the bad buy Esau so that Jesus could come as the good guy who saves bad guys. His thoughts are not our thoughts. Isn't it interesting that once Paul raises this question, Is God unjust in His election? He answers it this way. Some men and angels are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death. 1 Gods choice to save certain sinners by grace is called election, and his choice to leave certain sinners to the damnation they deserve is reprobation. Now that's strange. So thats the question Paul addresses: Did Gods word fail?. He is very much invested in the plight of his own people and yet he can speak very clearly and forcefully of God's sovereignty in this. And we started, it turns out, hes been influenced by grace and more aware of the sovereignty of God in everything. For full copyright, reproduction and permission information, please visit the First Presbyterian ChurchCopyright, Reproduction & Permission statement. We ask it in Jesus name. Why Doesn't God Heal Everyone And everywhere you go, any place youre at, the Spirit of God is always there with you. Why doesnt God choose everyone? | Questions & Answers Well, I think the first thing is the antinomy thing, I think, as you read through scripture, you will see the presupposition of responsibility and freedom. Help me to not be discouraged. You guys who are Calvinist and love to point out that people are going to hell because God wants them to go to hell and people are going to heaven because God wants him to go to heaven, deal with it. Many do not receive the Alright, we cant go any further, and if we do, we get into heresy, so Im going to leave it at this. I mean if Jews and hes not talking one or two, but most of them have a veil over their face, then theyre not seeing Jesus as their Messiah. Amen. Why Does God Choose Some and Not Others He quotes this passage from Exodus that occurs around the sixth plague when God speaks to Pharaoh and says, "For this very purpose I raised you up to demonstrate My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth. That's the first thing we learn in this passage. Wake Up Now Finance - Here's Why Wake Up Now Is Worth Joining, MILLIONS WILL WAKE UP to New Order Under Biden Admin, SpongeBob RoundPants! And my wife made a cross stitch thing of that that hung in my study for years. Now I want to quickly say, I love Southern Baptists. Yeah. And as you know, if youre a long time listener, Pete ever since the flood has been coming in on Fridays and weve been answering questions and we love getting your questions. Here are Bible verses that talk about being chosen by God. Steve Brown: Steve Brown: Salvation is not about getting what you deserve, salvation is about mercy. Thank you! Romans 9:11-13 states, Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or badin order that Gods purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who callsshe was told, The older will serve the younger. Just as it is written: Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated. Well, first of all, Ive got good news for you! and throughout scripture, there are admonishments about what we do and how we live, as if those meant something, that were supposed to do that. Let me also say that Southern Baptists used to believe exactly what Presbyterians believe and in fact many, many Southern Baptists believe right now what Presbyterians believe about God's sovereignty and salvation. WebChosen people have a special anointing and deep knowledge of God others do not have. God had a reason what He did with Pharaoh. If you say that God chooses some, then that inherently means that He must pass over others. He knew that God had given a word for him to be king, and yet there he was stuck in a field looking after sheep, not even allowed down to join his brothers in battle. Finally he speaks of that very hard truth of God's passing some by. Then David did all that he knew to do in the practical. In verses 6 through 13 the Apostle Paul answers that question by appealing to God's election. But realize that Paul does not say them as someone who is detached from this particular crisis, detached from this particular trauma and trial. It is based upon God's grace alone and therefore we may be assured that His grace will persevere because perseverance isn't based on us, it's based on Him. Exactly. Finally, the Bible reminds us that someday we will all stand before God. III. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-faithgazette_com-medrectangle-4-0');The narrative of Abraham and his offspring, the Israelites, is one of the first instances of God picking certain people. ], Copyright 2023 Pray With Confidence | Wisteria on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. What shall we say then? When it comes to the context of salvation, everyone is chosen by God to be saved. He wants you healed. They didn't get it by their natural descent. Why Does God Heal Some People but Not Others? 2001- 2023 Key Life Network. No one came, they were all content just doing their own thing. Jacob had a brother named Esau. These are both bad boys. He does no one no human being ever anywhere any wrong. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Its hard to say, yes at times. I. He loves them with a quite extraordinary word. Furthermore He goes on to say "that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." You know, but, you know, it just is. If we dont, well only end up in bitterness, anger and confusion and thats a dead-end road. Why in the world would Paul give us such a teaching here? What Does The Bible Say About Showing Off Your Body? And the reason is simple, it is not that God loves one person over another, nor does He consider physical abilities and qualities before he decides. She lives in the south east of England, works for a missions organisation and blogs at, Prodigal Children: How to Pray For Your Prodigal Child.