Romans 9:1 - The Straight Skinny
Aug
24
Written by:
8/24/2009 8:36 AM
Paul tries to deal with one of the most bewildering problems that the Church has to solve--the problem of the Jews. They were God's chosen people; they had had a unique place in God's purposes; and yet when God's Son had come into the world they had rejected him and crucified him. How is this tragic paradox to be explained? (William Barclay)
In election, God exercises His sovereign will to accomplish His perfect plan. Keep in mind that the election discussed in Romans 9–11 is national and not individual. To apply all the truths of these chapters to the salvation or security of the individual believer is to miss their message completely. In fact, Paul carefully points out that he is discussing the Jews and Gentiles as peoples, not individual sinners. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1992). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (391). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.)
I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, (Romans 9:1 NASB)
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, (Romans 9:1 KJV)
I am telling the truth in Christ (I am not lying!), for my conscience assures me in the Holy Spirit — (Romans 9:1 NET.)
With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. (Romans 9:1 NLT)
The triple oath begins the tough journey of explaining how election of the Gentiles in now way changes the decrees toward Israel. We shall see that through it all the Father shelters the remnant that His blessing may unfold in due time. Once again we see the hand of the Father mighty to save!
There remained one important question to be considered, namely, how this salvation, common to Jew and Gentile, both alienated from God — this doctrine that there was no difference — was to be reconciled with the special promises made to the Jews. The proof of their guilt and ruin under the law did not touch the promises of a faithful God. Was the apostle going to do away with these to place the Gentiles on the same footing? They did not fail also to accuse the apostle of having despised his nation and its privileges. Chapters 9, 10 and 11 reply to this question; and, with rare and admirable perfection, set forth the position of Israel with respect to God and to the gospel. This reply opens, in itself, a wide door to intelligence in the ways of God. (Dr. John Darby)
Rom 9:1 I say (1) the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
(1) The third part of this epistle, which goes to the twelfth chapter, in which Paul ascends to the higher causes of faith: and first of all, because he purposed to speak much of the casting off of the Jews, he uses a declaration, saying by a double or triple oath, and by witnessing of his great desire towards their salvation, his singular love towards them, and in addition granting to them all their privileges. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn