Romans Chapter 9

The bible holds many deep and unfathomable truths, of which the most mysterious is “Predestination”. In spite of the intelligence and advanced analytical skills of men, “Predestination” today, especially Calvin’s version, still contains many concepts that go beyond a human’s logical understanding. Particularly pertaining to the principles by which God elects a person, leaves a big question mark. The perplexities behind this doctrine has far exceeded the boundary of human intellect, crossing over even into the realm of the divine; and perhaps only the wisdom of God could create such a mysterious teaching leaving all who enter into it completely baffled. “Predestination” has come to be considered as the most profound of all doctrines and held in high esteem among the believers – becoming the object of pursue by intellectual Christians. Fanatic followers even attempt to expound all scriptures in the light of “Predestination”, as though the whole bible only consists of “Predestination,” undermining all other doctrines and teachings in the bible. Even for less fervent followers of the doctrine, they also pride themselves in making mention of “Predestination.” What then is the correct attitude one should hold towards this doctrine? Should every bible truth be pursued at all costs, like the doctrine of “Predestination”? Can “Predestination” be truly crowned as the most exalted of all bible truths? Does the mastery of it equate to having achieved spiritual supremacy? The bible is not silent on this matter and has clearly spelt out the principles and teachings that we should apply when dealing with such a doctrine.

Exodus 33:1 tells us: “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” Among the millions of Israelites, only Moses was appointed to speak face-to-face with God, as one would speak to a close friend. The intimacy Moses shared with God gave a very good indicator of Moses’ spiritual standing. He had personally witnessed innumerable miracles of God, of which, he saw how God had raised Pharaoh up and hardened his heart to demonstrate His powers – Moses was someone who had first-hand experiences of “Predestination.” Of the many miracles and mysterious works performed by God, there were times when even Moses could not understand the wonders of God’s doings. Moses, however, adopted the right attitude towards the secret things of God, and for this reason God regarded him as His close friend.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. ~Dt 29:29

Moses was a person who knew his place before God. He knew the things he ought to do and the things that he should not trespass into. He was a humble person, surpassing any man on earth (Nu 12:3). He rendered all the hidden things to God, while he set his heart to obey and carry out all that God had entrusted him – words of the Law that were “clear” and “apparent.” Moses did not go beyond his boundary to attempt to unravel God’s mysteries, he was down-to-earth and did what was expected of him according to the Law. In contrast, the first woman, Eve, sought to become like God to be able to know good and evil had instead brought sin into the world. Moses, even till his death, did not understand the hidden secrets of God, but it held no importance to him. Given his humility before God, he had already earned himself the privilege of becoming God’s best friend – that alone is a dream comes true for every believer.

Following the Lord is never a matter of knowledge, often knowledge causes man to become puffed up (1Co 8:1). The things that God seeks in man, are they not justice, mercy and a humble heart? (Mi 6:8). Moses became a spiritual giant not because he possessed extraordinary spiritual knowledge, rather, it was his great humility before God. Should a man set his heart to seek the Lord with a humble heart, it would far surpass having all of the most profound spiritual knowledge in the world! This explains why even before “Predestination” and Romans Chapter 9 could be completely understood, none of the spiritual pursues of the believers in the past were in any degree hindered or affected by it. Neither does it hinder nor affect a person’s decision to receive Christ. A Christian once shared that before he accepted Christ, there was a long period of time when he was confused by the doctrine of Predestination. But one day, the Lord moved his heart and he realised he was a sinner in need of Jesus’ Salvation, he immediately took the leap of faith without giving a single thought to “Predestination.” Not being able to understand “Predestination” or Romans 9 will not hinder anyone – Christian and non-Christian alike, in the pursue of Christ. So long as you come to the Lord with a sincere and humble heart, He will accept you.

Having clarified the confusions behind “Predestination” and Romans 9, we can finally come to appreciate and recognise God’s sincere and genuine love for mankind which has no underlying conditions. Now Romans 9 is no longer a mystery but has been disclosed to all that everyone can proudly speak of in proclamation of God’s wonderful salvation.