Sep
18
Written by:
Bob Flynn
9/18/2009 2:08 PM
Is there injustice with God - Is it unjust in God to give Jacob the blessing rather than Esau? or to accept believers, and them only. God forbid - In no wise. This is well consistent with justice; for he has a right to fix the terms on which he will show mercy, according to his declaration to Moses, petitioning for all the people, after they had committed idolatry with the golden calf. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy - According to the terms I myself have fixed. And I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion - Namely, on those only who submit to my terms, who accept of it in the way that I have appointed. (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.)
What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! (Romans 9:14 NASB)
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. (Romans 9:14 KJV)
What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! (Romans 9:14 NET.)
Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! (Romans 9:14 NLT)
The mind of us mere mortals cannot ponder the wisdom of God without becoming a endless swirling mass of questions. Further our insufficient intellectual prowess would attempt in some manner to call the Creator of the Universe into account. This is why when the Apostle Paul conveys the mysteries of the wisdom of God he anticipates and then obviates the many absurd arguments that would be found in the bowels of our human existence. Our inability to think in multiple dimensions simultaneously prevents us from extricating ourselves from the maze which is found in the doctrine of election. Our arguments, while attempting to clarify our understanding, raise yet more questions. We are thankfully left with the Word and thus must teach what it expresses holding that our logical arguments, though laudable, are wood, hay, and stubble if they cannot be substantiated from Scripture. More often than not we try to explain Paul out of the hole we think he has gotten himself into when in actuality he requires no assistance! So we ought then to be satisfied that whatever we can know about the predestination of the Almighty resides in Scripture and then give thanks. The mysteries of our redemption by the blood of Jesus and the salvation offered in His Name are not fully knowable but much appreciated.
To what conclusion shall we come on the facts before us? Shall we suggest that God’s bestowing peculiar privileges in this unequal manner, on those who otherwise are in equal circumstances, is inconsistent with justice and equity? By no means. Whatever God does is right, and he may dispense his blessings to whom and or what terms he pleases. (Dr. Adam Clarke)
“The former verb emphasizes the sense of human wretchedness in its active manifestation; the latter, the inward feeling expressing itself in sighs and tears. Have mercy therefore contemplates, not merely the sentiment in itself, but the determination (the selection and appointment) of those who should be its objects. The words were spoken to Moses in connection with his prayer for a general forgiveness of the people, which was refused, and his request to behold God’s glory, which was granted. With reference to the latter, God asserts that His gift is of His own free grace, without any recognition of Moses’ right to claim it on the ground of merit or service.” (Vincent's Word Studies)
Rom 2:5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. (NLT)
Rom 3:5-6 "But," some might say, "our sinfulness serves a good purpose, for it helps people see how righteous God is. Isn't it unfair, then, for Him to punish us?" (This is merely a human point of view.) Of course not! If God were not entirely fair, how would He be qualified to judge the world? (NLT)
Gen 18:25 Surely You wouldn't do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, You would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely You wouldn't do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" (NLT)
Deu 32:4 He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is! (NLT)
2Ch 19:7 Fear the LORD and judge with integrity, for the LORD our God does not tolerate perverted justice, partiality, or the taking of bribes." (NLT)
Job 8:3 Does God twist justice? Does the Almighty twist what is right? (NLT)
Job 34:10-12 "Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong. He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve. Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice. (NLT)
Job 34:18-19 For He says to kings, 'You are wicked,' and to nobles, 'You are unjust.' He doesn't care how great a person may be, and He pays no more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all. (NLT)
Job 35:2 "Do you think it is right for you to claim, 'I am righteous before God'? (NLT)
Psa 92:15 They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!" (NLT)
Psa 145:17 The LORD is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. (NLT)
Jer 12:1 LORD, You always give me justice when I bring a case before You. So let me bring You this complaint: Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? (NLT)
Rev 15:3-4 And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous deeds have been revealed." (NLT)
Rev 16:7 And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, Your judgments are true and just." (NLT)
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn