Non-Calvinist Interpretation of Romans 9

Hi Mike! Thanks for this teaching, I have been thinkng about this passage for a long time. One thing I really liked was how you adressed Exodus 9. I never heard this from any other teacher, and it makes so much sense out of the "mercy towards the vessels of destruction" text. Thank you for your ministry, when you teach the Scripture it exalts God, and makes me long to worship Him even more.

"Trying to study these topics that should not divide us" Thank you brother.

What a beautiful example of a godly man demonstrating for us how to lovingly approach scriptural disagreements. As a Calvinist who disagrees with his interpretation, this was both convicting and encouraging. I have discussed these differences before, but with not even half the love and respect that this man demonstrates here for his brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for this, and God bless you and your family.

Thanks Mike for the sharing. I almost became a Calvinist. I was a Buddhist for 32 years. I was saved when after one of my Buddhist prayer sessions I recited the sinners prayer showing on the YouTube channel on my iPad. I thought what harm can it do to me. I just read and see what happens. I could not be reading it with much faith because I don’t believe that Jesus could be my saviour then. But I read it with focus. Seconds later I felt like a different person with tremendous love for Jesus. That was last December. Because I studied Reformation history in my college days so I thought Calvinism now really makes sense to me! Then my pastor told me that we shouldn’t boxed God into different theologies. So now I think God is love. I made a free choice to say the prayer. By that window, He saved me. Praise Jesus!

I’m a Calvinist but I appreciate how you try to accurately represent both sides. You’re the only person on YouTube who will do that. Everyone else just creates a total straw man. But I’m encouraged by watching any of your videos. Keep it up Mike!

I love that you compare Scripture to Scripture! You don't quote other Bible commentators!!!

Thank you for giving a clear explanation of a non-Calvinist understanding of Rom. 9! I personally am a Calvinist and of course disagree with some of your early fundamental assertions, but I really did enjoy listening to you. I’ve talked to many Free Will people but none have explained their position as clearly as you have, so thank you! On a separate note, I really wish you would include the Q&A part in your videos, it would be very enjoyable. Love your videos! I guess one day we will find out who is correct on this doctrine. Until that glorious day, keep preaching the word, my dude!

Thank you so, so much for this video. I was really struggling with this chapter. I had been listening to some Reformed baptist preachers that I really liked and started looking into their doctrine more and came across unconditional election. I knew that I didn’t believe what they were saying, but I heard several of them speak on this chapter, and I couldn’t find anyone who was refuting their interpretation of this chapter specifically rather than the concept of unconditional election. It got to the point where I was on my knees crying and praying to God to show me the truth of who He was because unconditional election did not seem like the God who loved me while I was still a sinner and sent His son to die for the whole world, and yet, I could not see how else to read this chapter other than how the Calvinists were reading it. Right after praying that prayer, God led me to your video. Your analysis completely reaffirmed my trust in who God is. You are an answer to a very desperate prayer! May God bless you and your ministry.

"what do you do with Romans 9?" It's easy! I read the rest of the Bible too!

I have to listen to these more than once, and I'm amazed at how each video is helping me understand Romans. I am so so grateful to God for using your videos to help me.

Hey Mike, I have been a pastor for over twenty years and haven’t heard Romans 9 explained so eloquently. Well done brother. Thanks Clark

What I can’t understand is that even if Winger is wrong and the Calvinists are right, can’t they just leave those who aren’t Calvinist alone? The horror of Calvinism for the non-elect if Calvinism is true pushes so many away from the faith and makes them freaking miserable, often living in fear of God. It’s a horrible systematic and I do t understand how James White makes so much of it.

Brother Mike, with all due respect, I strongly disagree. I will explain: 1. Romans 9 does not teach calvinisn, is the other way around, Calvinism teaches Romans 9. Paul wrote it first, then Calvin explained it after many others. 2. You are saying that the chapter is not about salvation, but you never mentioned that it comes from the argumentation from chapter 8 which ends exposing the qualitative range of salvation in Christ. Why is Paul mourning about? Israel not being elected for being people and having promises? That is against the whole argument of Paul from the beginning, which is salvation through the gospel. 3. Your explanation is not different from others. It is base on reading 4 verses and breaking to insert a comment or to apply a ramdon verse that is not in the context of Romans 9. Why not reading the chapter in conjunction with chapter 8? The answer is: because it is going to sound as what Paul really intended to mean. 4. Hermeneutics matter. It is not to say what the text does not say, it is a matter of exposing the text. The context is clear, it has been established from chapter 1: The gospel is power of God for salvation for jews first and then gentiles. The condemnation is upon all and salvation was accomplished for all in a qualitative sense. How do we know it is qualitative and not quantitative? Because Paul stays on topic (salvation) in chapter 9 and states that not every individual of Israel is under the promise as a reason for God's word not having failed in the sense of those who don't believe (which is clearly evidencing that Paul is talking about salvation). So God is who elects who is under the promise and who isn't because salvation comes from Him from the beginning to the end.

Galatians 3:29 King James Version (KJV) 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

In order to understand Romans chapter 9, you have to read the whole epistle, as well has have at least a basic understanding of the historical context, what Paul is really talking about, and to whom he is speaking.

Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you for this clear and thoughtful teaching. I understand these verses in a more correct way now. I'm going to listen to the next part of this study right now, praying for wisdom and understanding all the while. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.

Hey Mike I’m just commenting randomly on one of your videos about all of them. Just so much appreciate the time and effort that you put into your content and how meaningful it is for help in my ministry to others. Your work is being multiplied and I just wanted to say thank you.

Love this teaching totally in agreement with it ....the teaching of Calvinism changes the character of the God of the Bible....and opens the door for pride and arrogance in some of the 'so called' elect. I pray that God will our eyes when we don't see the truth.

Hey Mike, I just wanna say this is really great work. God bless you, brother.

I’ve truly learned so much from this man of God. Thank u! Praise God!!