Reading through Romans-God alone is in control

9:16     So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

In verse 9:16, in the light of his comments about God’s righteousness, Paul continued to rule out any attempt of mankind to bring about the choice, or election, of God concerning whatever gifts He desires to bestow upon people. Men’s striving or attempting to exert their will, represented by the metaphor of running a race, has no part at all in the process of election. God alone chooses whom he will have mercy upon.

There is no way men can influence God’s choice. Mercy can also include a specific call to whatever service God desires. This may include both individuals or groups, such as Jews or Gentiles, which is the election Paul was speaking about.

As we shall see later, Paul was still lamenting that some of the Israelites, who considered themselves to be God’s children because of their descent from Abraham, will no longer be considered as children, or followers, of God. This was due to the election, or choice, of God. When Jesus bore the sins of the world upon the cross, the whole scenario of salvation changed, although many of the Jews did not understand it.

Dear God, knowing that all mercy and salvation is your choice I am so much more grateful that you have given me eternal life!  I humbly pray that you will rain that same gift into the lives of the people I know and love.  I