Romans 9: Sovereign Love in Action

Disclaimer (added Feb 2002):  This commentary is due for substantial revision as I need to incorporate ideas (from Dunn, Wright, Nanos, etc.) on the 'new perspecive' of the Law and its 'sociological functions', Paul's purpose in writing Romans, the epistle's implied audience, etc.  I am increasingly convinced that Paul would have cringed at the suggestion that the Calvinist-Arminian debate was anywhere among his primary concerns...

The following is my two-pence contribution to theological discussion on Romans 9, an endeavor spurred by my conviction that this Bible chapter in no way supports the doctrine of Double Predestination. I hope that despite it's (possibly) confusing and jumbled-up nature, what I’ve written can still afford a little peek into the awesome and gracious heart of God.

The approach adopted will be a mix of both a 'systematic exegesis' of the chapter beginning from vs.6 (although a lot of time will be spent looking at the OT cross-references Paul himself gives), and an critique/evaluation of the Calvinistic viewpoints of each major section.

Section 1:

  • Rom 9:7-9
  • Rom 9:10-13
  • Rom 9:14-16
  • Section 2:
  • Rom 9 vs. 17-18
  • Section 3:
  • Rom 9 vs. 19-33 (in progress)
  • Section 4 (Critiquing Reformed Theology's Double Predestination View of Romans 9):
  • Ishmael
  • Esau
  • Hardening of Pharoah's Heart


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