Romans 9 affirms God's sovereign purposes; mystery embraced in faith
Moravians recognize the profound mystery of Romans 9:18-21: God's absolute sovereignty and human moral responsibility. Rather than attempting to reconcile these rationally, Moravians embrace the paradox as part of Christian faith, similar to the mystery of Christ's two natures.
Zinzendorf taught that God's election is certain and mysterious, but that the human duty is to trust God's goodness and respond to the Gospel with the whole heart. Moravians do not interpret Romans 9 as teaching predestination to damnation. Instead, they emphasize God's love (manifest in Christ's passion) as the lens through which to understand God's sovereignty. All are invited to relationship with Christ; those who refuse bear responsibility for their refusal.
Key Distinctions
- Divine sovereignty:
- embraces paradox of sovereignty and responsibility
- Human freedom:
- Election type:
- God's love in Christ as key to understanding sovereignty
Scripture References
Sources
- Moravian Book of Worship
- Zinzendorf's Theological Writings