Monday, February 25, 2008
Tough Question #1
I would like to start asking some tough questions on my blog, and I really do want your feedback. I hope these will prompt a good discussion and encourage you to dig deeper in your Bible study.
This first one packs a real wallop (actually, I think they all do):
Q: Did God hate Esau before he was born?
This first one packs a real wallop (actually, I think they all do):
And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."
Romans 9:10-13
Q: Did God hate Esau before he was born?
4 Comments:
If one considers that God knows everything at once (a facet of eternal existence) then yes, He did hate Esau before he was born, knowing as He did what Esau would choose to do and to be.
That's my thought, anyway.
"Great is the Lord beyond the border of Isreal!" Mal. 1:5
Both Esau and Jacob were children of wrath. God passed over the older and gave to the younger. Not just with the birthright but saving grace. Verse eleven rules out the future works of either in contributing to God's purpose of electing Jacob over Esau.
My answer to your question is yes.
I've alluded to two supporting reasons with the Malachi 1 reference and paraphrasing part of Romans 9 verse eleven. Even dice aren't cast outside God's rule, how less the giving of a birthright. But this is beyond a simple birthright it's grace withheld.
It is God who wills. We humans act with knowledge (conscience) of our personal violations.
Are you going to ask the harder question requiring us to dig deeper...into the purpose?
Brian,
My answer, when I read this on the way to work, was similar to the comments in your recent post. The belief or understanding that God "hated Esau" depends upon your upbringing in the chruch. In the simplest terms, Calvinists will view this one way (the elect), Arminians another (totally depraved but saved by grace through acceptance of Christ, but able to fall from grace), and those of the Roman Catholic church another (man is basically good and God does not hate what is good).
My thought then was, what about Judas, which, I can see you are leading to with your recent question about the pharoah.
I may not make too many comments, but I will enjoy the discussion from you and others.
PAX
JD
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