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Romans 9:13
As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Paul might have concluded the initial portion of his argument in Romans 9 with the verses we examined in Friday’s study. But instead he presents one more Old Testament quotation (Mal. 1:2–3). It may have taken courage for Paul to quote these words, and we certainly need stout hearts to read and consider them, for they are shocking to our twenty-first-century evangelical sensibilities. Yet Paul did not shrink from mentioning this passage, for it is Holy Scripture and a direct quotation of the words of God. Likewise, we must not quail as we consider what Paul is teaching us here about the ways of our heavenly Father among the people of His creation.
In one sense, the truth that comes through so clearly in this verse has been implicit in all that Paul has taught about election thus far in Romans 9. Election of some implies rejection of others. This is exactly what this verse teaches, for if God expressed love to Jacob by choosing Him, He expressed hatred to Esau by passing him by. This is the doctrine of reprobation, the other side of the coin of election. Dr. James M. Boice defines it as “the doctrine that God rejects or repudiates some persons to eternal condemnation in a way parallel but opposite to the way He ordains others to salvation.”
This is obviously a difficult doctrine in any time or place, but it is particularly so in our own day, when the love of God is so heavily stressed. This emphasis has led some scholars to seek to moderate the language of this verse, interpreting the word hate to mean “loving less.” Scripture does use hate in this way (see Luke 14:26). Also, the Bible never refers to God hating any other particular person. However, He is said to hate “all workers of iniquity” (Ps. 5:5), and such are we all in our fallen state. Having rebelled against Him, we deserve His wrath. We properly celebrate the love of God when we recognize that, by His grace, He sent Jesus to take divine wrath upon Himself, and that He elects some to salvation on that basis. The others, the reprobate, are those He chooses not to save. They receive His justice for sin.
Therein is the primary difference between election and reprobation. Election is an action. Reprobation, though ultimately determinative, is an inaction. God sets His saving love on some, and must therefore be said to hate the others, letting them perish in their sins.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The doctrine of reprobation seems to contradict the idea of a loving God. But Scripture testifies clearly that He is holy and good. If we cannot see how this can be so in light of reprobation, our place is to accept the Bible’s teaching and await further enlightening, in this life or the next. Pray for understanding and acceptance of this hard truth.
For Further Study
- Psalm 81:12
- Proverbs 16:4
- Romans 11:25
- 1 Peter 2:8