Peter Barnes | Romans 9:19-21
SERMON NOTES
HOW CAN ELECTION BE JUST?
(Romans 9:19-21)
– three issues raised, in verses 6, 14 and 19
1. Another objection to God’s sovereign election.
– 9:19; Cranfield and Leon Morris say that this has to do with history, not salvation, but Paul is talking about salvation.
– Scripture combines God’s sovereignty and our responsibility e.g. Luke 22:22
2. We are clay.
– 9:20-21; the image is used often in the Old Testament (Isa. 29:15-16; 45:9-11; 64:8-9; Jer.18:1-6).
– Charles Hodge: ‘We are dealing with God as moral Governor, not as Creator.’ God does not create evil clay
– Gen.18:27; 32:10; compare Ps.8:4-5 and 144:3-4
3. God is the potter.
– 9:20-21; see also Job 38:1-5; 40:6-14
– ‘Take control of your own life’ is a motto of many and ‘I did it my way’ is sung at funerals!
– 1 Cor.4:7 greatly moved Augustine.