How does Romans 9:11 connect with Ephesians 1:4 about God's election? Seeing the Text Clearly Romans 9:11: “Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose in election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls,” Ephesians 1:4: “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.” Side-by-Side Snapshot • Romans 9:11 points to God’s choice of Jacob over Esau “before the twins were born.” • Ephesians 1:4 points to God’s choice of believers “before the foundation of the world.” • Both passages stress the same reality: God’s election is grounded entirely in His own will, not in foreseen human deeds. Shared Emphases in Both Verses • Timing—before any human action (womb / world’s foundation) • Basis—“not by works” (Romans); “in Him” (Ephesians) • Purpose—“God’s purpose in election” (Romans); “to be holy and blameless” (Ephesians) • Agent—“Him who calls” (Romans); “He chose us” (Ephesians) The Unbreakable Theme: God’s Sovereign Choice Romans 9:11 zooms in on one historical example; Ephesians 1:4 zooms out to the whole company of the redeemed. Together they teach: 1. Election is unconditional—decided before any good or evil is done. 2. Election is personal—God calls specific people (“Jacob,” “us in Him”). 3. Election is purposeful—leading to holiness, not mere privilege. Other Scriptures Echoing the Same Truth • Romans 8:29-30—foreknew, predestined, called, justified, glorified • 2 Timothy 1:9—“not because of our works but by His own purpose and grace, given… before time began” • Acts 13:48—“all who were appointed for eternal life believed” • John 6:37, 44—those the Father gives will come; no one comes unless drawn Why the Timing Matters • It rules out merit: if the choice predates our birth or the world’s creation, it cannot rest on our performance. • It magnifies grace: salvation begins with God’s initiative, continues by His power, and ends in His glory. • It secures assurance: what God purposed before time cannot be overturned in time. Election and Human Responsibility Scripture holds two truths side by side: • God sovereignly elects (Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:4). • Humans are genuinely called to believe and obey (Romans 10:9-13). The call to faith is the appointed means by which the elect come to salvation. Living in the Light of This Truth • Humility—boasting is excluded; all credit goes to God’s grace. • Holiness—election aims at lives “holy and blameless.” • Worship—praise flows naturally when we grasp that we were chosen in Christ before we could ever choose Him. |
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