Since God is Love, is it possible for God to hate? What does it mean for people if the ones who are saved are the ones that God elects? These are deep questions that are the topic of our message today from the book of Romans chapter 9, which our teacher, Pastor Landis will address in a message he has titled: “Choose Mercy Now!”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:17 – 23 (KJV)
Exo 33:17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Exo 33:18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
Exo 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
Exo 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Exo 33:21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:
Exo 33:22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
Exo 33:23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
New Testament Scripture Reading: Romans 9:12 – 18 (KJV)
Rom 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
Rom 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Rom 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rom 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Rom 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Rom 9:18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Transforming Power Statements:
1) Since God is Love, Mercy is an integral facet of the nature of Almighty God and therefore, it is dispensed according to “Devine Prerogative” just as the counterpart of love which is “hate”.
2) In order for there to be LOVE; there must be HATE of that which is against LOVE.
3) In the present time, God has published “Good News!” to all the world: That through His Son’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, ALL who believe in Him shall be SAVED!!
