In this series, John Piper gives detailed attention to the text of Romans 9, one of the most controversial passages in Scripture. Romans 9 contains some of the most baffling passages in Scripture. So, why should we study them? Why put in the hard work of tracing the logic and meaning of a difficult passage when there are riches nearer the surface in Romans 8, or in John, or Proverbs, and many other places?
The reason, as Piper explains, is not that we want to tackle difficult subjects just for the challenge of it. Rather, we want to understand the truth and theology of Romans 9 because the truths which Paul discusses in this chapter touch some of the most foundational truths of reality: who God is, who we are as human beings, where history is going, the relationship between our responsibility and God’s sovereignty.
“Whether you want it to or not,” Piper says, “your understanding of the God of Romans 9 will shape everything else in your life.”
Let’s look at the book so we are shaped, not by our own opinions, but by God’s word.
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 1 in a series on Romans 9 called “The Word of God Has Not Failed.”
