Meaning of Romans 9:18

This verse from Romans 9:18, "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden," is a pivotal statement within Paul's extended argument concerning God's sovereignty in salvation, particularly as it relates to Israel's rejection of Jesus. Paul is not introducing a novel concept but rather drawing a conclusion from the preceding narrative examples of Jacob and Esau, and Pharaoh. The point is that God's elective will, His sovereign choice, is the ultimate basis for both mercy and the hardening of hearts, a principle demonstrated throughout salvation history. This divine prerogative is not arbitrary but operates according to His inscrutable purposes, which ultimately serve His glory and the salvation of His elect.

Context and Background

The immediate context is Paul's defense of God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel, even in light of their widespread rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. Paul anticipates the objection: "How can God be just if He chooses some for salvation and not others, especially if Israel, His chosen people, has largely been passed over?" To address this, Paul delves into the foundational principles of God's sovereign power and His right to act according to His own will. He uses the Old Testament figures of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, and Pharaoh as case studies to illustrate God's unilateral, pre-temporal election and His power to shape destinies for His own purposes.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty: The core message is God's absolute sovereignty. He is the ultimate authority, and His decisions regarding mercy and hardening are not subject to human review or appeal.
• Unconditional Election: God's choice to show mercy is not based on any foreseen merit or action in individuals but on His own good pleasure.
• The Purpose of Hardening: While mercy is for salvation, hardening is often presented as a means by which God demonstrates His power and brings about His ultimate purposes, even through the unrighteous. This does not imply God causes sin, but rather that He can, in His sovereign plan, allow or permit individuals to continue in their sin, thereby revealing His justice and power.
• God's Righteousness: Paul argues that God's actions, even those that appear harsh from a human perspective, are ultimately righteous and in line with His character and plan.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage emphasizes the humble dependence of humanity on God for salvation. It redirects our focus from human works or worthiness to the boundless grace of God. For believers, it offers profound assurance: our salvation is secure because it rests not on our fluctuating performance but on God's unchanging, sovereign purpose. It also calls for reverence and awe in the face of God's majesty and inscrutable wisdom. It should lead to praise for His mercy and a recognition of His justice in dealing with sin.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The concept of God's sovereign choice is woven throughout Scripture. From the selection of Abraham and his descendants as His chosen people, to the calling of specific prophets, to Jesus' own prayer in John 17 that the Father gave Him a people, the principle of divine election is evident. This verse is a strong articulation of that principle, particularly in the context of the New Covenant and the inclusion of Gentiles alongside believing Jews in God's redemptive plan. It underscores that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not a reward for human striving.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a master potter and clay. The potter has the sovereign right to fashion vessels for different purposes from the same lump of clay. Some vessels may be made for honorable use (mercy and salvation), while others may be made for common or even dishonorable use (judgment or demonstration of power). The clay has no right to question the potter's decisions. Another analogy is a king's prerogative to grant clemency to whomever he chooses. His decision is not based on the merit of the recipient but on his own royal authority and will.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 33:19: Moses asks to see God's glory, and God declares, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name, 'The LORD.' And I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." This is the Old Testament basis for Paul's statement.
• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This highlights God's desire for all to be saved, which Paul reconciles with His sovereign election by emphasizing that the mechanism of salvation is through belief, a belief that God Himself enables.
• Ephesians 1:4-5: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will." This parallels Romans 9 by speaking of God's pre-temporal choice and predestination based on His will.
• Romans 11:32: "For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all." This verse further connects God's sovereign plan to His ultimate purpose of showing mercy.