Aug
27
Written by:
Bob Flynn
8/27/2009 5:34 AM
Human words cannot fully describe the motions of souls that are full of God. As if he had said, I could wish to suffer in their stead; yea, to be an anathema from Christ in their place. In how high a sense he wished this, who can tell, unless himself had been asked and had resolved the question? Certainly he did not then consider himself at all, but only others and the glory of God. The thing could not be; yet the wish was pious and solid; though with a tacit condition, if it were right and possible. (John Wesley)
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.)
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, (Romans 9:3 NASB)
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: (Romans 9:3 KJV)
For I could wish that I myself were accursed — cut off from Christ — for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen, (Romans 9:3 NET.)
for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. (Romans 9:3 NLT)
It is one thing to feel the hurt of another but something altogether different to wish that you would suffer the judgment you see building over their head so that they might be saved. To understand Paul's conviction here ascribed is to begin to approach the Throne of Grace and understand the very heart of God Himself. It is this very attitude that brought God's only Son to bear our sin upon the Calvary Cross. Is that the heart we see displayed in the church today? Are Our hearts tender and compassionate? Do we even see the lost today? Does our heart grieve over the ones that God brings our way? If our love is only of ourselves then it will not amount to much. However, if our love be of God, then there will be no limitations. Whose love is it that we share with our world? A quick glance at the morning news will find the answer!
Many indeed doubt whether this was a lawful desire; but this doubt may be thus removed: the settled boundary of love is, that it proceeds as far as conscience permits; if then we love in God and not without God’s authority, our love can never be too much. And such was the love of Paul; for seeing his own nation endued with so many of God’s benefits, he loved God’s gifts in them, and them on account of God’s gifts; and he deemed it a great evil that those gifts should perish, hence it was that his mind being overwhelmed, he burst forth into this extreme wish. (John Calvin)
The apostle loved his brethren so completely that if it had been possible he would have been ready to have redeemed the castaways of the Israelites with the loss of his own soul forever: for this word "accursed" signifies as much in this place. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn