Are you willing to take a look at the Bible to see if what you think about God is true?
If you are, and if you’ve chosen this humble little blog to get you started, let’s get right to the heart of the matter in Romans 9:
Not only that, but Rebekah’s children had one and the same father, our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by Him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! (Romans 9:10-14, NIV)
Does Romans 9 show that God doesn’t give everyone a chance to turn to Him?
Romans 9 says that God hated Esau. The “just as it is written” is Malachi 1:2-3. Malachi was given this Word from God around 433-430 B.C. Why bring that up? Because Esau was born a long time before that. Some scholars think 2006 B.C., others 1840 B.C.
What did God say to Esau’s mother Rebekah before Esau was born?
What He said was,
And the LORD told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” (Genesis 25:23, NLT)
Did God already hate Esau?
Well, here is what God says about His plan:
“The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” (Jesus, quoted in John 3:35-36, NLT)
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (Jesus, quoted in John 3:16-17, NLT)
If God created Esau to hate Him, then why didn’t God say before Esau was born that He hated him?
I think one reason may be to show that God doesn’t turn people away who come to Him. He knew Esau would never come to Him, but knowing and willing are two very different things.
Again, why is it that Jesus never says Judas’ name when He says one of His disciples will betray Him (see Matthew 26:21, Mark 14:18, Luke 22:21, John 13:18, John 13:21-27)?
One reason may be to show that Jesus did not ‘make’ Judas betray Him and Jesus did not create Judas without choice. Jesus knew what Judas would choose because Jesus was God before He was human (though as human He was still fully God) and He had lived outside of time. He also knew because He was in perfect communication with His Father in Heaven. But Jesus did not make Judas sin.
God never makes people sin.
Satan never even makes people sin.
People sin because they want to sin. [See Footnote 1]
Does God “make” some people bad? NEVER!
God’s desire is for every person to stand before Him as a new creation, although He knows many, many people will violate His desire. But don’t take my word for it–I don’t even want to take my word for it! No, we need instead to look at what God says about Himself and trust in Him, because His Word is true and His promises do not fail.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1-6, NIV)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. (James 1:13-14, NIV)
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? (Ezekiel 18:23, NIV)
For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:32-33, NIV)
As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of wicked people. I only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. Turn! Turn from your wickedness, O people of Israel! Why should you die? (Ezekiel 33:11, NIV)
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5, NIV)
God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” (Romans 2:6, NIV)
My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. (James 2:1, NASB)
The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites. (Colossians 3:25, GW)
“Are you Israelites more important to me than the Ethiopians?” asks the LORD. I brought Israel out of Egypt, but I also brought the Philistines from Crete and led the Arameans out of Kir.” (Amos 9:7, NLT)
For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. (Deuteronomy 10:17, ESV)
“To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, Father, my Father.” (Galatians 4:6, GNT)
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Photograph by Aaron Gilson, profile on http://www.flickr.com/people/aarongilson/
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[1] I saw a wonderful clip of a sermon about this, I believe from John Piper.
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