Romans 9:21-23 Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor?… I. VESSELS OF WRATH. 1. Whom does this phrase describe? Not persons pre-ordained to wrath, but deserving of wrath. 2. How are they fitted for destrucion? Not by Divine operation, but by their own wilful impertinence. 3. How does God use them? For the display of His justice and power. 4. How is the righteousness of the Divine procedure vindicated? (1) By His patient forbearance. (2) By the opportunity afforded for repentance. (3) By the offers of His grace. II. VESSELS OF MERCY. 1. Their determination. (1) Not by unconditional election. (2) But by the reception of mercy and belief of the truth. 2. Their preparation — (1) In life. (2) By grace. (3) Through the sanctification of the Spirit. 3. Their use. To display the riches of God's glory — His wisdom, love and power in their salvation. 4. Their destiny — glory. (1) In the perfection of their nature and happiness. (2) In the presence of God. (3) For ever. 5. The foundation of all their happiness. The sovereign grace of God in Christ. (J. Lyth, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? |
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