Sermon – Pentecost 12 – "The Purpose Of God's Election" – Romans 9:1-13 – 8/3/08
August 3rd, 2008 | Tags: Election, RomansClick play to listen to the audio version of this sermon.
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As we continue our summer tour through Romans, we come now to the 9th chapter where Paul, once again, raises the example of Old Testament Israel to make his point. Paul summarizes the historical data of how God has treated the Israelites throughout their history. "They are the Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen."
By putting the historical example of Israel before us, Paul raises the question that he knows is lurking in the dark recesses of our mind. If God has so blessed Israel with this incredible résumé of benefits and privileges, why isn't all of Israel saved? Or, to put the question in a more familiar way, why are some saved and not others? (more…)
