Romans
9 deals extensively with the both the elect and the non-elect at some
length. It would not be feasible to go
into great depth in this study, but here are some passages worth checking out.
Verse
17: “For the Scripture says unto Pharaoh, ‘Even for this same purpose have I
raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and
that My name might be declared throughout all the earth.’”
These words refer
us back to verses 13 and 14. In verse 13 God declares His love to Jacob and His
hatred to Esau. In verse 14 it is
asked “Is there unrighteousness with God?” and here in verse 17 the
apostle continues his reply to the objection.
Two
things are worth noting: First, the
predestination of Pharaoh to ruin, which is being referred to in the past and
hidden in the counsel of God, and Second, the design of this which is to make
the name of God known.
The
words spoken of Pharaoh, “for this purpose I have raised you up,” literally
means, “I have appointed.” Pharaoh had a purpose. What was his purpose? To make God’s name and power known. Thus, there had to be a Pharaoh who would
enslave the Israelites, whom God would then use to rescue them from their
bondage. Therefore, salvation for Pharaoh was impossible. His destiny had
already been chosen by God.
In
the same way, no salvation for the elect is impossible. Their destiny too has
been foreordained by God. What God intends He will see to it that it comes to
pass.
Every
person who comes into the world comes in as one who is elect or non-elect. Both
have a strategic purpose of God. Both will bring Him glory in their God-given
manner.
Remember
this: No matter how adamant a person is in rejecting Christ here on earth, all
that will change in the afterlife. We read in Philippians 2:11: “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of those in heaven (glorified saints), and those who are on earth (those who
have not yet died), and those who are under the earth” (those who have already
died).
Yes,
not just the saints will be acknowledging Jesus as Lord to the glory of God,
but even those who did their best not to while living on the earth. God in the
end will accomplish His purpose and He will sovereignly receive the respect,
adoration and glory that a sovereign God deserves.
Therefore,
whether a person is one of the elect, or one of the non-elect, the outcome will
be same. The difference: The elect will
do so from a redeemed heart of worship and spend eternity with God. The non-elect will do so out of a heart of
wickedness and spend eternity apart from God.
But the power and authority of God is that He receives glory either way.
End
of Part 6
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