Unlimited: To Make the Riches of His Glory Known
Mar 21, 2023 747
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known (Romans 9:22–23a).
Paul here continues what to us seems like a difficult argument to understand. Is he saying that God has chosen some people to be lost, to be the objects of his wrath, and that he simply puts up with them and “toys” with them until he decides to destroy them?
The first thing to understand is that God is love (1 John 4:8) and he loves everyone (John 3:16.)
This includes those who don’t love him. It includes sinners also:
…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8.)
God will reveal his glory.
That’s why Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies, just as our Father in heaven does. He loves and, as much as we allow him, he even blesses all alike (Matt. 5:44–45.)
We cannot interpret Romans 9 in a way that contradicts the fundamental character of God and the clear message of the rest of Scripture. He loves everyone equally and lovingly invites them to accept his offer of salvation.
Paul tells us here that the wicked will be destroyed. How could that possibly make the riches of God’s glory known? He will rescue his people from evil. He will remove sin from the universe. In this way, God will reveal his glory.
Spiritual Application
Read Matt. 5:44–45. In what physical ways does God bless those who reject him in this world? Do you think this extends in any way to the spiritual world? In what ways does God show grace to those who reject him? Or is this not possible?
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