Romans 9:14-18

Romans 9:14-18

Is God Unrighteous for Showing Mercy?

Rom 9:14  What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

Rom 9:15  For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

Rom 9:16  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Rom 9:17  For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

Rom 9:18  Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

  

1. Does the Doctrine of Election Mean that God is Unrighteous? – vs. 14a
1. Is God wicked for choosing some to be saved and choosing others to be dammed?
2. Absolutely Not! – vs. 14b
1. Paul’s emphatic exclamation should be enough to answer the skeptic, seeing that there is no unrighteousness with God. Paul could have left it there, but proceeds to give two scriptural citations for the unbelieving heart.

                                                              i.      Romans 9:11 

3. Scriptural proof number 1 – vs. 15
1. The Apostle Paul sights a reference to the story of Moses after the people had rebelled against God and made a golden calf. Moses then returns to the mountain to intercede on behalf of the people. There is a beautiful exchange between God and Moses on the mountain.

                                                              i.      Exodus 33:17-23 

4. Conclusion – vs. 16
1. Your salvation does not rest in your decision to follow Christ – “Man has a free will to go to hell, but none to go to heaven” – George Whitefield

                                                              i.      John 1:12-13 

                                                            ii.      James 1:18 

2. Your salvation does not rest in your ability to follow Christ

                                                              i.      Hebrews 12:2 

3. Your salvation rests in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ

                                                              i.      Psalm 65:4 

5. Scriptural poof number 2 – vs. 17
1. The second scriptural proof that Paul sights is a negative example. This one is of Pharaoh, a man that hardened his heart against God. He was used by God to demonstrate the power of God’s judgment.

                                                              i.      Exodus 9:13-17 

6. Conclusion – vs. 18
1. God demonstrates His mercy on us by softening our hearts to receive His forgiveness and grace.

                                                              i.      Hebrews 3:7-14 

2. God demonstrates His power by hardening the heart of the unbeliever to receive His Judgment.

                                                              i.      Hebrews 3:15-19