More Gracious Than We Can Imagine (Romans 9:6-13; COD Head 1 Articles 7, 15)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

Introduction

The doctrine of unconditional election, as presented in the Canons of Dort, is often misunderstood as unfair. However, the Canons argue that it is a loving doctrine because it guarantees the fulfillment of God’s redemptive decree, ensuring that His people will enter His rest despite our rebellion.

Election by Grace

The Canons of Dort affirm that God’s election is a gracious choice made before the foundation of the world, not based on human merit. This doctrine emphasizes God’s sovereignty and mercy, highlighting that humanity’s fall into sin was a result of humanities’ own rebellion. The Canons also underscore the significance of God’s means, such as His Word and Spirit, in drawing individuals to Himself.

RC Sproul pointed out that there are four possible options for God’s plan of salvation: no salvation, sending Christ without guaranteeing faith, ensuring salvation for some, or ensuring salvation for all. The most gracious options are ensuring salvation for some or all.

In Romans 9 Paul addresses the issue of Israel’s election and the inclusion of Gentiles in the church. God’s election is based on His mercy alone, his good will, and not on human merit or actions.

Election without our works

The doctrine of reprobation, as explained in the canons, asserts that God’s election is not based on foreseen faith or human merit. Instead, it is a sovereign act of God’s grace, where He chooses some for salvation while passing over others. This is exemplified in the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, where God’s choice of Jacob is not based on Esau’s perceived unworthiness, but on His own sovereign will.

Romans 9 explores the complex relationship between Jacob and Esau, highlighting their differing attitudes towards God’s promises. Esau, representing the reprobate, is indifferent to spiritual matters, while Jacob, though zealous for God’s promises, relies on his own schemes rather than God’s timing. Jacob learns through his limp that God establishes his purposes. It is not based on the man who works. It is based on God’s mercy. Our works flow from our election and the Spirit’s work.

We need to remember that God’s election is not cruel, as He allows reprobates to pursue their desires, while the elect, maybe sometimes concerned about their standing, need to realize that the reson we cear is the Spirit’s work in us. So believe and live!

Conclusion

God is not cruel in His doctrine of election. We need to remember that He allows reprobates to continue on their chosen path, while showing mercy to the elect. The elect, unlike the reprobate, care about Christ and their salvation, which is guaranteed by God’s elective purpose and mercy. There is a great comfort in this in our seasons of doubt. If we wonder if we are the reprobate we ought to realize that Esau never cared about that status. He only cared about the earthly standing. Let us proceed in the confidence of Christ. Let us proceed in his mercy. Let us live unto him and die to self as our life and strength are only found in him.