IS ELECTION UNFAIR?? - Has the Potter No Right Over the Clay??
Dr. Sproul focused on Romans 9:11–13:
“Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of Him who calls—she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ As it is written, ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’”
Now, let's focus on these words:
“Had done nothing either good or bad.”
What point is Paul making?
God did not need to look into the future and base His elective choice on what Jacob or Esau would eventually do.
God does not choose to save someone because He foresees that person’s future good deeds. Nor does He leave others in their sin because He foresees that they will perform especially wicked deeds. Scripture teaches that all of us are born in sin. None of us is naturally righteous or good. Apart from God’s grace, there is nothing within us that could merit His favor.
Later in the chapter, Paul writes:
“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”
—Romans 9:16
God’s choice concerning whom He saves is grounded not in human merit, but in His mercy.
Consider the words “not on human will.” Those words directly challenge the argument that fallen human beings possess the natural ability to choose Christ apart from God’s prior work of grace.
The Greek word translated as “will” is thelō, which can mean to will, desire, choose, prefer, or determine. In the context of Romans 9:16, Paul teaches that salvation does not originate in a person’s desire, decision, or determination. Human willing is not the ultimate cause of salvation.
The word translated as “exertion” is related to the Greek word trechō, which literally means “to run.” Figuratively, it can describe striving, exerting oneself, or spending one’s strength in pursuit of something.
In the context of salvation, Paul’s meaning is clear: no one can work hard enough, strive earnestly enough, or perform enough good deeds to earn salvation. Salvation does not depend upon human effort.
It depends upon God, who has mercy.
Dr. Sproul also addressed the claim that Romans 9 is speaking only about nations—Jacob representing Israel and Esau representing Edom—rather than about individuals. While Jacob and Esau certainly became the fathers of nations, God’s dealings with nations do not eliminate His dealings with the individuals within them. Nations are composed of individual people, each of whom must stand before God.
Furthermore, interpreting the passage corporately does not establish two different ways of salvation—one for the Jews and another for the Gentiles. Scripture presents only one way of salvation.
Gentiles come to Christ in the same way that believing Jews do: through the gracious work of God. The Holy Spirit gives His people new hearts, just as God promised in Ezekiel 36:26–27:
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you,and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey My rules.”
The Holy Spirit draws sinners to Christ, gives them new life, and enables them to respond to the gospel with repentance and faith.
The way of salvation is the same for everyone.
God chooses a people for Himself—not because of their works, their natural goodness, or their superior wisdom, but according to His mercy and His gracious purpose.
Jesus secured the salvation of the elect through His death on the cross.
The Holy Spirit then applies that salvation through His specific and powerful work in their hearts, giving them new life and enabling them to come to Christ in faith. Apart from the work of the Holy Spirit, NO ONE can or will come to Christ.
From beginning to end, salvation belongs to the Lord.
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