Surprised by Grace (29): Do you have faith in yourself?

Jacob takes Esau's blessing [1873] (Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Most people would accuse God being unfair.

Why not?
The Bible says that God simply preferred Jacob over Esau.
And, as if to rub salt into wounds, it is stated that, “even before they were born or had done anything good or bad”. (Romans 9:11, NET)

How could God?
Before the twins Esau and Jacob were even born?

Now almost anyone who has had any working experience, let alone management experience, can readily see such injustice is disaster in waiting.
Merits prosper.
Favouritism rots.

How could a boss justify that?
How could Paul in Romans have the gall to say that?

This assault on the notion of fairness seems to be kicked up a couple of notches with this justification right after,
even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) (Romans 9:11, NET).

So electing Jacob over Esau, with all its favouritism in the baggage is necessary to demonstrate another more important virtue: not dependent on man’s works but on God!

That sets up for his punchline challenge just a few verses later:
Is there injustice with God (9:14, NET) ?

We would be forgiven for being indignant and turning away from Christianity for good—that religion ain’t for me!
Why would we trust in an unfair God? A God who plays favouritism?

But hang on.
Paul doesn’t say “unfair-ness” but rather “injustice”.
There’s a subtle yet significant difference!

Being “unfair” involves treating A not the same as B.
Just to simplify things.

Being “unjust” though has to compare with a “just” standard.
It’s more absolute.
Has nothing to do with the treatment differences between A and B.
Again to simplify things, being “unjust” is being “not right”.

Therefore the punchline question is Romans 9:14, after all the favouritism laden discussion of God towards Jacob and Esau, is really asking, “Is God not right?”
Amplified: “Is God not right in deciding based on his own goodness, and not on man’s works?”

Now—got to seriously consider this injustice matter.

It boils down to a God declaring and insisting on one thing—that only He matters!
More specifically, this God refuses to place greater emphasis on man’s works than His own character, His election, and His grace!

Is it better, or “righter”for mankind, to have God decided on the basis of man’s right or wrong?
Or is it safer for mankind to have a firmer standard than just man’s goodness, or good works?

Those who have lived long enough know how much trust they should place on their own good works!

And of all people, HK people should get this much quicker.

For HK people are by genes or habits, counting people, or accounting people.
What’s the downside of putting all our baskets in one currency?
No. Not a chance.
Risks too unbearable.
Regardless of currency.

HK people spread eggs out.

And would they choose RMB?
What about £?
US$ should be stronger?
Or more neutral Swiss Francs?
Definitely the more stable and secure the better.
Of course, there are always speculators but let’s leave them out in this weighty discussion.

This discussion hinges on a key question:
Do you have faith in yourself?

If yes, you opt to have God judge you on your works.
If no, you would prefer God to judge you on His terms.

This question clarifies substantially and removes the otherwise unacceptability of “even before they were born or had done anything good or bad .”
For that statement eliminates any basis on human works.
Rather it is “so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling)”.

HK people can easily grasp it.
If works, then it must be paid.
If not on works, then it’s free.
The choice becomes obvious.

Returning to Romans, Paul has said the same:
Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation. But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness (Rom 4:4, NET).

It has got to be, unless we wish to revert back to depend on our works or merits:
And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace (Rom 11:6, NET).

Unless we have unwavering faith in our works, in ourselves.
Otherwise, grace is the default.

Surprise and all, choose grace!