1. Lesson 14 The VINDICATION of the Righteousness of God: Israel’s Past, Part Two (Romans 9:14-29)
ITC Zapf Chancery 80

2. Romans 9:13
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
The truth that GOD chooses by election and not merit causes some people to question God’s fairness.

3. Romans 9:14
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?
God forbid.
God is righteous. Everything he does is righteous. Whether or not we understand his reasoning has no relevance whatsoever!

4. Romans 9:15
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.
God said this to Moses when they spoke “face to face” in the door of the tabernacle:

5. Exodus 33:9,11,19
9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee;
and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

6. Exodus 33:9,11,19
9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the LORD talked with Moses.
11 And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee;
and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
And so what can we say of this matter?

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

8. Romans 9:16
16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
We acknowledge that God will gracefully open a sinner’s heart to truth, but we find it difficult to believe that he would intentionally harden someone’s heart against him.
But that is exactly what happened to the Pharaoh:

9. Romans 9:17-18
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.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

10. Romans 9:17-18
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.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

11. 15 …I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
This fundamental precept is stated twice in this short passage.
You cannot have one without the other.

12. God’s words to the Pharaoh are recorded in Exodus 9:

13. Exodus 9:15-16
15 For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.
16 And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

14. The Bible says seven times that God hardened the Pharaoh’s heart.
(Exodus 7:13, 9:12, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10, and 14:8).

15. And so, is it fair to condemn Pharaoh when it was God who hardened his heart?

16. Romans 9:19
19 Thou wilt say then unto me,
Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

17. Romans 9:19
19 Thou wilt say then unto me,
Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Since God hardened his heart – and no one has the power to resist God – why is the Pharaoh condemned?
Paul’s answer: Who are you to question God’s ways?

18. Romans 9:20-21
20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

19. We acknowledge that we are only clay in the Master Potters’ hands:
Isaiah 64:8:
But now, O LORD, thou art our father;
we are the clay, and thou our potter;
and we all are the work of thy hand.

20. But why would God make an unbeliever?
This, too, has an answer!

21. Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

22. Geneva Bible Notes
Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
God … endures [the reprobate] a long time, and permits them to enjoy many and singular benefits, until at length he justly condemns them: and that to good end and purpose, that is, to show himself to be an enemy and avenger of wickedness, that it may appear what power he has by these severe judgments,

23. Geneva Bible Notes
Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
and finally by comparison of contraries to set forth indeed, how great his mercy is towards the elect.

24. Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
The ungodly exist so that God can demonstrate his wrath and power.

25. Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Jude 1:4
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

26. Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
God’s wrath upon the ungodly magnifies his mercy upon his elect, because we, too, were once counted among the unrighteous.
Knowing that your place in glory was predetermined for you – and that it could just as easily have been the other – shows the great grace and mercy that was shown you.

27. The concepts of election and foreordination may seem at odds with passages like 1 Timothy 2:3-4:

28. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The concepts of election and foreordination may seem at odds with passages like 1 Timothy 2:3-4:

29. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
The concepts of election and foreordination may seem at odds with passages like 1 Timothy 2:3-4:
First of all, we know that all men are not saved, neither do all come to knowledge of the truth.

30. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
If this verse means that God wills to save everyone, everyone would be saved, for no one can resist his will.

31. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
If this verse means that God wills to save everyone, everyone would be saved, for no one can resist his will.
If it means God wants everyone to be saved, but is waiting on them to accept his offer, then salvation is ultimately by works.

32. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
An alternate interpretation to this passage that requires no bending of truth is that God will save and instruct all kinds of people without prejudice.

33. 1 Timothy 2:3-4
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
At any rate, we are expected to sow the gospel seed far and wide, as we never know beforehand who God has called, and when they will believe.
Back to Romans 9:

34. Romans 9:22-24
22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
The mercy shown the Jews is the same mercy that brings salvation to the Gentiles – people who had not been counted among the Chosen People.

35. Romans 9:25-26
25 As he saith also in Osee [Hosea], I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

36. Romans 9:25-26
25 As he saith also in Osee [Hosea], I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
Hosea 2:23
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy;
and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people;
and they shall say, Thou art my God.

37. But did God’s reception of the Gentiles mean the door to salvation was now closed to the Jews?
No, says Paul, quoting Isaiah. “A remnant shall be saved.”

38. Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
But did God’s reception of the Gentiles mean the door to salvation was now closed to the Jews?
No, says Paul, quoting Isaiah. “A remnant shall be saved.”

39. Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
Isaiah 10:21-22
21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.

40. Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
REM'NANT, noun 
1.  Residue; that which is left after the separation, removal or destruction of a part.

41. From the sons of Abraham, Isaac
Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
From the sons of Abraham, Isaac
Ishmael
Isaac

42. From the sons of Isaac, Jacob
Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
From the sons of Isaac, Jacob
Ishmael
Isaac
Esau
Jacob

43. From the 12 Tribes of Israel,
Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
From the 12 Tribes of Israel,
Ishmael
Isaac
Esau
Jacob
12 Tribes

44. From the 12 Tribes of Israel, a Remnant
Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
From the 12 Tribes of Israel, a Remnant R

45. These are the people OF Israel who ARE Israel
Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
These are the people OF Israel who ARE Israel R

46. Romans 9:27-28
27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
It was always only a portion of the Israelites who actually believed the promises of God. (Think of Joshua and Caleb compared to the other ten spies).

47. ABRAHAM ISAAC The Jews who believe are “the remnant of Jacob.”
They, along with the believing Gentiles, are “the Israel of God.”
ISAAC

48. Galatians 6:15-16
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

49. If not for God’s mercy on the remnant, the annihilation of Israel would be like Sodom and Gomorrah:

50. Romans 9:29
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

51. Romans 9:29
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Isaiah 1:9
9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.

52. Geneva Bible Notes
Romans 9:29
29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
The Lord of Sabaoth:
The Lord of the armies of Israel
as those who are under the leadership and protection of Jehovah maintain his cause in war.

54. Israel’s past began with a promise made to Abraham, and continues to this very day through an elect remnant – the remnant of Jacob – who believe on Jesus as their Messiah, thus proving God is true to his word.
In the next chapter we learn why so many of the children of Israel still do not accept Jesus as their Messiah.

55. (A) Israel’s Past: The Election of God (9:1-29)
(B) Israel’s Present: The Rejection of God (9:30 to 10:21)