What’s the Key?
An Exposition of Romans 9:14-18 showing that salvation does not depend on your choice but on God's mercy
Romans 9 is one of the most difficult passages in the Bible to many people because they assume their relationship with God ultimately depends on their choices. They think they made the decision that started the chain of events, that started the dominos falling that resulted in their relationship with God.
Why are some people saved and some are not?
Hint, it’s not finally about human will.
“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.” (Romans 9:16)
Who holds the key to your salvation?
A key is a critical, decisive ingredient that is absolutely required to get what you want. What’s the key to being right with God, to being one of His children? If, like most, you have assumed that you’ve held the key, prepare to have your world turned upside down, really right-side up and listen to:
Listen to the unlocking of Romans 9:14-18 showing that salvation depends on God’s sovereign will, with personal testimonies.
C. H. Spurgeon
Spurgeon said, “The thought struck me, “How did you come to be a Christian?” I sought the Lord. “But how did you come to seek the Lord?” The thought flashed across my mind in a moment: I should not have sought Him unless there had been some previous influence in my mind to make me seek Him. … I ascribe my change wholly to God.”
John B. Carpenter, Ph.D., is pastor of Covenant Reformed Baptist Church, in Danville, VA. and the author of Seven Pillars of a Biblical Church (Wipf and Stock, 2022).