Understanding Romans 9-11: Key Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of Romans chapters 9-11 according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Romans 9-11 constitutes what he calls a "theodicy" (T-H-E-O-D-I-C-Y). This means "a justification of the ways of God" - a bigger concept than just predestination or the calling of Gentiles and rejection of Jews. He explains it as "a reconciling of what God has said and revealed with what God does," or "the apostle's way of harmonizing the Old Testament with the new." It demonstrates "the eternal and glorious consistency of God" with Himself, His nature, and His purpose.

Why does Paul address the question of Israel's rejection of Christ at this point in Romans?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul addresses this topic because it logically follows from his discussion of the believer's security in Romans 8. After Paul asserted that God's purpose cannot be frustrated and nothing can separate believers from God's love, an obvious objection would arise: "What about the Jews?" If God's purpose cannot fail, how do you explain that most Jews rejected Christ? Paul needed to deal with this difficulty to prove his teaching about God's unfailing purpose was consistent with observable reality.

What are the six subsidiary themes Paul addresses in Romans 9-11?

According to Lloyd-Jones, the six subsidiary themes are: 1. The tragic case of the Jews as rejectors of Christ 2. God's freedom in His absolute sovereignty regarding election 3. The vindication of Christian teaching concerning salvation in light of the Old Testament 4. The danger of misunderstanding doctrine and drawing false conclusions from it 5. A full explanation of the particular case of the Jews in God's purpose 6. God's eternal purpose in Christ and salvation with respect to the cosmos

How does Romans 9-11 connect to Paul's earlier arguments in the epistle?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows that this section is not disconnected from what came before but follows a pattern Paul used throughout Romans. Paul makes doctrinal statements, then addresses objections and difficulties. In chapters 9-11, he's responding to objections about God's faithfulness in light of Jewish unbelief. It's intimately connected to his teaching on assurance and final perseverance in chapter 8. This section isn't an afterthought but a necessary defense of his teaching about God's unchangeable purpose.

What warning does Paul give about misusing doctrine in Romans 9-11?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Paul warns against drawing false conclusions from doctrine. The Jews misunderstood the Old Testament teaching about God's purpose for His people, which led them to reject Christ. Similarly, Paul warns Gentile believers not to become presumptuous. Lloyd-Jones notes that people can fall into antinomianism - thinking "I'm a child of God, therefore it doesn't matter what I do because my glorification is certain." This represents "the abuse of doctrine, drawing false deductions from God's glorious truth even to the damnation of the soul."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the structure of Romans 9-11?

Lloyd-Jones notes that each chapter follows a similar pattern: 1. Paul identifies himself with the Jews and shows compassion for them 2. He elaborates on doctrine (predestination in chapter 9, justification by faith in chapter 10, and the temporary rejection of Jews in chapter 11) 3. He confirms his doctrine using Old Testament scriptures

Each chapter builds on the previous one to create a complete argument that ultimately leads to Paul's doxology of praise in Romans 11:33-36, which Lloyd-Jones sees as confirmation that this section primarily concerns the glory of God Himself.