Controversial

Rom 9:16 "So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy."

This is very controversial stuff. The question: “Does man choose to be saved or does God choose those who will be saved?” The answer: “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.”

The point: We are incapable of choosing. If I can choose, then it is up to my will. It is an act of my will. It is something that I have a desire to do, something that I determine in my own mind. But this verse says: “It is not of him who wills…”

It is also not based upon my effort. It isn’t because I strive after salvation, or search for it, or because I exert my strength to get it. “Nor of him who runs…”

So, if I can’t decide and if I can’t work for it, how do I get it? It is totally dependant upon God. “…it is…of God who shows mercy.” It is based upon God being willing. It is based upon God running. It is based upon God who extends mercy to some. Ouch, to some? “Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.” v18

This is tough for us to swallow. We think we have the capability to come to this decision ourselves and the burden is on us. To think otherwise would make God out to be unjust and unfair. Paul knew that believers struggled with this when he wrote Romans. They even asked the question: “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” v19 Paul’s reply: “Who are you to reply against God?” Frankly, God is God. He is in control. He knows what He is doing and we have no clue. We humans can’t say that God is unjust. That is not an accusation that we can level against Him. He makes us to fulfill His purpose. He is God. He is sovereign. He rules over all and we have no place in questioning Him.

This is difficult stuff. On the flip side, however, it is amazing stuff. It makes me wonder: Why me? It makes me even more appreciative of what God has done and is doing in my life. It makes me take more seriously the reason God has created me, to be a “…vessel of mercy which He prepared beforehand for (His) glory…”. v23

I don’t understand it, but I accept it, for God is God and I am not.