Romans 9:31-33 gives great relief and balance for those, who like me, are from a ‘Calminian’ (Calvinism and Armenian theology meshed) background. By this I mean that all growing up I perceived God’s invitation as ‘whosoever will’ and those that ‘would’ wouldn’t lose it in regards to salvation. Further study has driven me to consider God’s part in the overall salvation process more and more. While it remains, I believe, humanly impossible to resolve human free will and God’s sovereignty, we see both portrayed in the Bible. What jumps out at me is that we are responsible regardless. If someone rejects Christ it is their own fault. If someone receives Christ as Savior and Lord, it is God’s grace. At the end of chapter 9 of Romans, Paul reminds us of Israel’s fault in not attaining righteousness. The fault was in the fact that they did not seek it by faith. Whoever ‘believes’ in Jesus will experience this ‘righteousness’ and not ‘be put to shame.’ (vs. 33) Paul has made his point clear that God is sovereign and can do with us lumps of clay as he wishes. The practical admonition is to believe. For those who believe, there is salvation.
how strong is our desire for the salvation of others???
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:3 ESV
As Paul began his discussion of Israel in God’s plan, he shares his hearts desire that they be saved. He even desired their salvation to the point of expressing his willingness to make the eternal exchange: his salvation forfeited if they could be saved. Paul makes it clear in Romans 9 that God’s word has not failed. God is powerfully and patiently working out his plan of salvation in the world.
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