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Romans 9:22–24
What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? (Rom. 9:22).
Dr. James M. Boice notes that the Westminster Shorter Catechism declares “Man’s chief end is to glorify God.” But he writes that “we might also say that the chief end of God is to glorify God.” Today’s passage supports that assertion, for it tells us that God intends, through election and reprobation, to make aspects of His character known. Boice writes, “These verses teach that God’s treatment of the wicked . . . is intended . . . to make His wrath, power, and patience known, just as, on the other hand, His treatment of those who are chosen to be saved displays His mercy.” Paul is now plunging into an exploration of God’s purposes in the exercise of His sovereignty, asking rhetorical questions that point to reasons why God would create human beings only to send some to heaven and consign others to hell.
“What if . . . ?” So Paul begins verse 22. In essence, he is saying, “Consider this. . .” There is a desire within God, he tells us, to make His attributes known. The wise Potter makes “vessels of wrath” in order to display His wrath and power over the universe. But another attribute shines forth as God showers His common grace on rebels against His rule: long-suffering, or patience. God would be just to destroy any man in the instant of his first sin, but He tolerates affront after affront to His holiness. And so He is seen to be a patient God, giving His sinful creatures ample time to repent (Rom. 2:4). But when those who despise His patience have lived out their allotted lives in the hardness of their hearts and the stubbornness of their sin, they truly become “vessels of wrath,” for it is wrath that they receive. And so is displayed the perfect wrath that is the only possible reaction of a holy God to sinful creatures. On the other hand, the Potter also creates from the same lump “vessels of mercy.” Upon them, God makes known “the riches of His glory,” His great goodness and mercy in giving them the treasure of a heavenly inheritance. These pots, once lowly clay, are made into the express image of the Son of God, to the praise of the Father who lavished grace upon them.
Who are these vessels of mercy? They are Christians, of course, the people of God from every nation, tribe, and tongue, and specifically Jews and gentiles. In the verses we will examine tomorrow, Paul will focus more closely on the diverse composition of the kingdom.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Think of the roles you have played in God’s cosmic drama. Your rebellion against His rule showed forth His patience. Your conversion showed forth His mercy. Your sanctification is showing forth the riches of His glory. Thank God for using you to reveal these perfections—and that He will not show forth His wrath against you.
For Further Study
- Luke 1:50
- Colossians 1:27
- 1 Timoth 1:15–16
- 2 Peter 3:9, 15