“But this is the great mystery: that God is rich in mercy; that he gathers his elect from every nation, also that of the Jews who rejected him; that he imprisoned all in unbelief that he might be merciful to all. That mystery sends the apostle into ecstasy and causes him to marvel at and adore the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge ([Romans] 11:33-36).” (Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4, p. 670).
“It is a mistake, however, to think that God’s incomprehensibility applies only to his secret, unrevealed counsel . . . . [T]he most significant aspect of incomprehensibility is that it applies to what God has revealed.” “God is debtor to none, his favour is never compensation, merit places no constraints upon his mercy.” (John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans, Vol. 2, pages 104, 107).
The 101 Bible Study is looking at Romans 11:25-36 on Dec. 1 in Astoria. Call 971/238-6101 for more information.