Paul has just finished eight chapters of the deepest, most profound exploration of the greatest news to come to mankind, culminating in Romans 8. From assurance, to perseverance, to the deep anchor of God’s kind providence, Romans 8 is filled with some of the greatest promises God ever gives his church.
But what good are great promises if we cannot be sure that God will keep them? In fact, God made great promises to Israel, but where are they now? It would seem the word of God has failed. This is the objection that Paul faces in Romans 9, and everything hangs on it. If we cannot trust the word of God to hold true, what good are his promises?
In this segment, John Piper explains Paul’s answer to this objection, and shares a fascinating example of the significance of God’s trustworthy providence in the life of Abraham Lincoln.
The word of God has not failed (Romans 9:6). Therefore, God’s promises will hold true. Why? Let’s look at the book.
Look at the Book is John Piper’s latest effort to help teach people to read the Bible for themselves. It’s an ongoing series of 8–12 minute videos in which the camera is on the text, not the teacher.
As part of this initiative, Desiring God is putting on regional events focused on certain passages of Scripture. This is Part 3 in a series on Romans 9 called “The Word of God Has Not Failed.”
