Sermon Cloud

In some ways the Bible is wonderfully simple. In other ways it is profoundly deep. It is simple because, like a Daddy talking to His little girl, God has come down on our level and spoken in ways we can understand. But it is deep because God is more than a Daddy, He is the majestic God of glory, the Lord Almighty, the creator and sustainer of the heavens and earth. In Isaiah 55.8,9, God reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” It is good to remember this, especially when we come to Romans 9-11. Today in the Word, we will introduce this section, with a special focus on chapters 9-10. It speaks of election and the mystery of God’s grace in His plan for both Jews and Gentiles. Remember, election is not just a Pauline doctrine, Jesus taught it (John 13.18, 15.16 and 17.6). It is an indispensable foundation of Christian salvation and worship. It reminds us that our salvation is due entirely to His grace, wisdom and power. If we were responsible for our own salvation, even in part, we would be justified in singing our own praise this morning. But we are not-God is. So we can sing praise to Him and celebrate His mercy with joy in our worship, as we listen to his Word and gather for communion at His table. Someone once said that election is not a matter of fairness, but of grace. We have rebelled against our maker and God is not obligated to save anybody, let alone everybody. We deserve what we have chosen-that God saves any at all is amazing. That He saves many is stunning. But when He saves, He saves by grace, and grace is more than fair.