Some are greatly troubled by the fact that grace is bestowed sovereignly, but what other basis is there for its distribution? In Romans 9:14 Paul asks the question: Can God be just when grace is given to some but not to others? He answers his own question by reminding the reader that justice can only condemn all men, for all have sinned. We dare not plead for justice with God, for justice can only be satisfied by our condemnation. Grace operates on a totally different basis. Grace does not give men what they deserve, but what God delights to give, in spite of their sin. God is only unjust if He withholds from men benefits which they rightfully deserve, but He is gracious in bestowing upon men salvation and blessings which they could never merit.
— Bob Deffinbaugh, Pastor, Bibellehrer und Autor
Related Bible passage: ROM.9.14
Topics: Grace & Redemption, God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Justice & Commitment
Occasions: For Reflection
Bob Deffinbaugh
Robert „Bob“ Deffinbaugh ist ein US-amerikanischer evangelikaler Pastor und Bibellehrer, der 1976 die Community Bible Chapel in Richardson (Texas) mitbegründete und dort über Jahrzehnte als Ältester wirkte. Er steht in der Tradition konservativ-freikirchlicher Auslegungspredigten mit einem starken Fokus auf die Irrtumslosigkeit der Bibel und eine kollegiale Gemeindeleitung. Für Bibelleser ist er heute vor allem durch seine frei zugänglichen, versweisen Kommentare auf Plattformen wie Bible.org präsent, die historische Kontexte mit praktischer Anwendung verbinden.
All quotes by Bob Deffinbaugh (6)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller