Grace as God's Sovereign Choice

Paul's focus in Chapter 9 is to make it exceedingly clear how little we have to do with our own salvation. Our effort and our blood have bearing on God's grace and we cannot compel God's mercy. We cannot force God to have mercy on us. Is it mercy if it forced? Is compassion compassion if it is compelled? Grace and mercy are what they are because God chooses to have them. Punishment and condemnation are our lot (or our wage), therefore God choosing how to implement his plan and his mercy is not unjust, but rather kind, loving, and graceful.

This interaction is displayed in the story of the Exodus. Pharaoh was raised up to demonstrate God’s power and to prove the patriarchs faith was well founded. Is it unfair that God exerted is will on Pharaoh by using him in this way? By no means! While God exerts his will upon us (and Pharaoh in this case) , we still have a choice in the matter. God endured Pharaoh’s sinfulness (Exodus 7-12 - I highly recommend reading this for deeper understanding) with patience, giving him an opportunity to repent. Did God need to do this? No! But he did because of his loving and merciful nature. He does the exact same with us. In verse 20, Paul begins to use the metaphor of the potter and clay to further his point (Jeremiah 18 describes the interaction between the potter and clay in greater detail, if you would like to dig further into this metaphor). While God is the molder, the clay can choose to listen to the gentle guidance of his hands, or fight against him. This demonstrates that God has given us free will, but he retains sovereignty.

Paul concludes in his classic way (I.e. “What shall we say then?”). In this conclusion he contrasts Gentiles who have stumbled upon righteousness through faith, and the Jews who tried (and failed) to obtain that same righteousness through the law. In doing so, he mentions a “rock of offense”, which is Jesus. Why is Jesus offensive? For the same reason that the message of chapter 9 is. God’s mercy is independent of our goodness, but is rather focused on his goodness and will. Salvation through faith, is an offensive stumbling block to many. But it is the only way to salvation, as our works will always fall desperately short, just as Paul says in verse 31.

This scripture is dense, and I am convinced many books could be written to expound upon the ideas that Paul expresses. That being said, I have been left with a much deeper appreciation of God's love and grace as a result of studying chapter 9. God is so incredibly patient with us, and puts off executing justice so that we can have a chance to taste his compassionate mercy. Let us live our lives in a way that shows the world just how appreciative we are of our benevolent and sovereign Lord and Savior.