What is the meaning of Romans 9:12? Not by works Paul quotes, “Not by works…” to stress that God’s purposes are never determined by human merit or effort. This mirrors his earlier declaration that “no one will be justified by works of the law” (Romans 3:20). • God chose Jacob before either twin had “done anything good or bad” (Romans 9:11). • Salvation “is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Titus 3:5 echoes the same truth: we are saved “not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy.” Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we take Paul’s words at face value: God’s election is grounded solely in His own gracious initiative. But by Him who calls The phrase shifts the focus from human deeds to divine action. “Him who calls” highlights God’s sovereign voice summoning people to Himself. • Romans 8:30 shows the unbroken chain: “those He predestined, He also called.” • Jesus affirms, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). • 2 Timothy 1:9 notes that God “saved us and called us…not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace.” Here, calling is personal, effective, and rooted in God’s eternal plan, not in any foreseen virtue in humanity. She was told “She” refers to Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, who received a direct word from the Lord while the twins struggled in her womb (Genesis 25:22-23). • God’s message to Rebekah came before the boys’ births, underscoring that His decision preceded their actions. • Hebrews 11:11-12 highlights Rebekah’s role in the promised line, revealing God’s hand guiding history long before outcomes were visible. Rebekah’s revelation reminds us that divine pronouncements are trustworthy and shape future events exactly as spoken. The older will serve the younger This unexpected reversal—Esau serving Jacob—illustrates God’s freedom to overturn human customs (firstborn privilege) for His purposes. • Genesis 25:23 records the original promise; Genesis 27 and 33 show its unfolding as Jacob gains the blessing and Esau eventually yields. • Malachi 1:2-3 later reflects on the same choice: “Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated,” emphasizing covenant love over natural order. • Jesus captures the principle, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). God’s election of the younger son spotlights grace—favor granted apart from status or achievement. summary Romans 9:12 teaches that God’s saving purpose rests entirely on His sovereign, gracious call, not on human works or cultural expectations. By announcing before birth that “the older will serve the younger,” God demonstrated His right to choose freely and His power to accomplish exactly what He declares. Our response is humble gratitude, recognizing that every spiritual blessing flows from His initiative, not our merit. |
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