Romans 9

Theme: The forbearance of God

Forbearance means to refrain from the enforcement of something (such as debt, right, or obligation) that is due.

Paul was concerned for the people of his nation (Israel). He even said if it were possible, he would wish that himself were accursed (separated, banished) from Christ for the sake of his brothers the Israelites.

He goes on to recall how that God began this program with them. He specifically identifies the children of Abraham to whom the promise belong.

Instances where we learn about the forbearance of God:

1. Esau and Jacob. While the children were yet in the womb, having done nothing good or bad, God already said to their mother: “Jacob I loved (chose, protected, blessed), But Esau I hated (held in disregard, compared to Jacob)”.
2. Pharaoh and the people of Israel. Concerning Pharaoh, God also said “I raised you up for this very purpose, to display my power in (dealing with you), and so that My Name would be proclaimed in All the earth”.
3. The falling away of Israel for the engrafting of the Gentiles. The Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness (who did not seek salvation and a right relationship with God) obtained righteousness which is produced by faith, whereas Israel (though always) pushing the law of righteousness did not succeed in fulfilling the law. They stumbled over the Stumbling Stone [Jesus Christ].

Paul goes on to show some profound things about God.

God’s Mercy by choosing us beforehand. God told Moses that “I will have Mercy on whomever I will have Mercy, and compassion on whomever I will have compassion”. The implication of this, is that Salvation is first wrought by God, not us. However, Paul explains 2 What-ifs as to why God would elect some people to Salvation and some to destruction (as it were).

1. It is possible, even though God is willing to show His wrath and make His power known to those who live in utter disregard for His Laws, He tolerates such people with great patience (the forebearance of God).
2. It is possible God has done so in order to make known the riches of His glory to the ones chosen to obtain His Mercy.

We can make the following deductions:

1. It is a dangerous thing to continue to live in disobedience to God’s command. God, though all-knowing (that such people would want to make choices against His commands), as in the case of Pharaoh would give as many chances to turn from evil. When such people continue to reject God, their hearts become hardened (it becomes harder to turn to God), to the point where God chooses to let them go. However, God would give them lots of time and opportunity.
2. In the case of Esau, though God already spoke about whom He loved, we see that Esau was given the opportunity to accept God. In his case, he even realised when it was late, and sought the Blessing with tears. We see in Heb 12:17 [… he was rejected, for he found no opportunity of repentance. There was no way to repair what he had done, no chance to recall the choice he made], even though he sought for it with bitter tears.
3. Even after redeeming Israel from Egypt, the people had trouble keeping God’s instructions. God would put up with them over and over, until God said, “know what? Stay there. I’ll open this thing up to those whom I once said were not my people, and I’d make it easier for them to even enter into it (through faith)”.

When we see people seemingly prosper in evil, it is the forebearance of God at work. He is giving them time and opportunity to turn, so they do not get destroyed. If they do not, then the terrible wrath of God would sweep them off.

The Lord is great and terrible. And He does not change.