Understanding Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 9: Election and God's Purpose

What is the main argument in Romans 9:6-13 according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the main argument in Romans 9:6-13 is to prove that "they are not all Israel, that are of Israel." The apostle Paul demonstrates this by citing two cases: first, the two sons of Abraham (Isaac and Ishmael), and second, the two sons of Isaac (Jacob and Esau). In both cases, Paul follows the same method of argumentation - stating facts, quoting explicit statements from God, and then deducing doctrine from these facts.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain God's election in relation to Jacob and Esau?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God chose Jacob over Esau before they were born, "neither having done any good or evil." This was done so that "the purpose of God, according to election, might stand not of works, but of him that calleth." The choice had nothing to do with anything in Jacob or Esau themselves. God's choice was completely free and sovereign, determined solely by His own character and eternal will, not by anything the individuals did or would do.

What misconception about election does Dr. Lloyd-Jones correct?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones corrects the misconception that God's election is merely "an arbitrary selection out of a mass of humanity." He argues this is not a case of God looking at humanity and randomly choosing some while rejecting others. Instead, God is positively producing a people for Himself. Both cases cited (Isaac and Jacob) prove this point - God was not selecting among existing people but producing the very people who would carry His purpose forward.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones connect Romans 9 with Romans 5?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones connects Romans 9 with Romans 5:12-21 by explaining that all humanity fell in Adam, and God's way of salvation is not merely selecting some from fallen humanity but producing an entirely new humanity in Christ. He states: "What's God's plan of salvation? Oh, not to take some of those and reform them. No. God is doing something entirely new. There is a new second man. There is a last Adam." Salvation is thus a positive process of creating something new rather than merely fixing something old.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the relationship between natural birth and spiritual birth?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that God does not do away with the natural process of birth but uses it while intervening supernaturally. Christians are naturally born as children of Adam, but spiritually they have been "separated from their mother's womb" for God's purpose, even though this spiritual reality may not become manifest until later in life. He cites examples like Paul, who was "separated from his mother's womb" according to Galatians 1:15, though he was a persecutor for years before his conversion on the Damascus road.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones insist we must study difficult passages of Scripture?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones insists we must study difficult passages because avoiding them is "an insult to God who raised up men to write these very scriptures for our instruction." He criticizes Christians who have become "lazy" and who "pick and choose in the scriptures," having "favorite passages" while evading others. He argues that neglecting any portion of God's Word because it is difficult or controversial is "sinning very grievously" and leads to "great ignorance concerning certain fundamental and vital and essential doctrines."

What will be the result of God's election process according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the result of God's election process will be "a perfect humanity, complete and entire in Christ." Christ is the head and believers are the body; He is "the firstborn amongst many brethren." This is God's plan of redemption - not merely saving some individuals from the old humanity but creating an entirely new humanity with Christ as its head. This plan cannot fail because it depends entirely on God rather than on human beings.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain Jeremiah 1:5 in relation to election?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones quotes Jeremiah 1:5 ("Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee") as an Old Testament parallel to the doctrine of election. He points out that while Jeremiah's calling became manifest at a specific time during King Josiah's reign, God had already set him apart before his birth. This illustrates how God's elective purpose precedes the natural birth of His chosen ones, though that purpose may not become evident until much later in their lives.