#42 HCBC 11-18-07 AM
Is God Unfair?
Romans 9:14-18
Vs 14 The Question
Is God Unfair? 9:14
Romans 9:6 “It is not as though God’s word had failed.
Abraham - not another pagan
Isaac - not Ishmael
Jacob - not Esau
“In order that God’s purpose in election might stand”
God’s Decree: (Plan) “counsel” “purpose” “will”
eternal – immutable – universal
certain – absolute – free
1. God elected those whom He would save!
sovereign – gracious – eternal – in Christ
2. God predestinated those whom He would save! He predestinated the elect to adoption
He predestinated the elect to conformity to Christ
He predestinated th elect to the praise of his glory
So, Paul poses the question: Is God Unfair?
When we hear it taught that God chose to save some –
And not others…
We hear people say: “Well, that’s not fair!”
Why do some get left out?
It is not fair!
Calling God to account:
Adam did it. The woman you gave me…
The O. T. people did it.
How have you loved us?
How have we shown contempt for your name?
How have we defiled you?
How do we rob you?
What have we said against you?
They wearied the Lord with their words!
We do it today:
If God is good, how could He…
What about cancer? Why doesn’t God…
It’s not my fault.
I could have done better if only God had given me
Kinder parents
Better looks
More energy
A more advanced education
Perhaps in no other way is the calling of God into account more sharp or penetrating than this area of election;
Whereby God predestines some persons to salvation and the passing by of others.
Even if we can be convinced that God does operate in this way
We scream out fiercely that it is not right for Him to be selective!
But we miss something very important!
What do we all deserve?
If everyone got what we deserve, where would we be?
Maybe our problem is we don’t want to believe this
about ourselves!
When we ask “Why does God only save some?”
We should be asking: “Why would God save any?”
Romans 3:10-18
Nobody deserves anything but hell and separation from God for eternity!
Nobody deserves to be rescued from the ravages and the penalty of sin!
Nobody deserves to be brought into the family of God
by adoption and become heirs with Christ
to receive the promises that God gives to His children.
Nobody deserves to be chosen!
Vs 15 The Answer
But Paul gives Gods answer in Rom 9:15, God says:
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
And I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.
Paul denies injustice in God’s dealing with Isaac & Ishmael --
Jacob & Esau by directing our attention to God’s sovereign
right to dispense mercy as he chooses!
If we kick against God’s choosing;
We deny His right to be God…
And we put ourselves in His place!
Vs 16 The Explanation
Paul explains the thought in verse 16!
It = God’s choice on what to do with individuals!
It does not depend on our desire!
It does not depend on our effort!
It does depend on God’s mercy!
Eph 2:1-5
Tit 3:3-5a
1 Pet 1:3
Matt 18:21-35
Every human being is in desperate need of mercy!
God is a God of mercy!
We can appeal to mercy!
We can proclaim God’s mercy to others!
Vs 17 The Purpose
God’s purpose in reprobation!
To display God’s power!
To proclaim God’s name!
Vs 18 The Result
God has mercy -- God hardens!
Has God chosen you?
Have you come to understand the love of God that has been
extended to you?
Have you come to see yourself as a sinner in desperate need?
Have you heard and understood that Christ died for you sin?
Have you, in repentance, come to God and asked for
forgiveness?
Have you, by faith, received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?
Have Thine Own Way, Lord: #371
Would you desire that He make you into the likeness of Christ
Would you be willing to have Him remove the impurities in
you?
Would you allow Him to heal al of your woundedness?
Would you give Him the control of the decisions and choices of your life?