Rom
9:30-33 (NIV) What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue
righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; 31 but
Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32 Why not?
Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled
over the "stumbling stone." 33 As it is written:
"See,
I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble
and a
rock that makes them fall,
and the
one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
NOTE: For a chapter
of scripture that clearly emphasizes the sovereignty of God, there are numerous
references to the actions of individuals or groups: "did not pursue … have
obtained … pursued … has not attained … works … stumbled ...one who trusts in
him will never be put to shame."
So, both aspects, God's control and men's free will, are taught in the
passage. Of course, reconciling both
ideas is difficult for the finite mind.
I know that for God, it is crystal clear, but for us, it is a little
like explaining quantum mechanics to a five year old, the infinite mind cannot
express truths to the finite mind other than to assert that certain statements
are true. God shows his mercy to whoever
he will, and man must respond to the message in faith and not in works. I need to live under both truths.
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