The Former Adventists Philippines' interpretation of Romans 9:13, "As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau," differs significantly from a traditional Calvinistic interpretation. Here's a breakdown of the key points:
1. Focus on Nations, Not Individuals (for Eternal Salvation):
Corporate Election: FAP generally argue that the "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" passage in Romans 9 is primarily about God's corporate election of nations, not the unconditional election of individuals to eternal salvation or damnation.
Malachi's Context: They emphasize that Paul is quoting Malachi 1:2-3, which clearly speaks of God's dealings with the nations of Israel (descendants of Jacob) and Edom (descendants of Esau), not the eternal destiny of the individual Jacob and Esau. Malachi says, "I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a desolation and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness." This refers to the historical fate and national standing of the two peoples.
Purpose of Service/Covenant, Not Salvation: The "love" and "hate" are interpreted as God's preferential choice of one nation (Israel) over another (Edom) for a specific redemptive purpose – to be the lineage through which the Messiah would come and to be the bearers of God's covenant and law. It's about their role in God's plan for salvation history, not their personal salvation status.
2. "Hated" as a Comparative Term:
Hebraic Idiom: FAP often explain "hated" as a Hebraic idiom for "loved less" or "preferred less," rather than literal, active malice or eternal damnation. They point to other biblical passages where similar language is used (e.g., Luke 14:26, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother... he cannot be my disciple"), where "hate" means to prioritize less.
No Unjust God: This interpretation maintains God's character as loving and just, asserting that God would not arbitrarily predestinate individuals to damnation before they are born or have done anything good or bad.
3. Election for a Purpose, Not Unconditional Damnation:
God's Sovereign Right to Choose: FAP affirm God's sovereign right to choose and accomplish His purposes. God chose Jacob's line for the covenant and the Messiah, demonstrating that His plan is not based on human merit or ancestry, but on His own will.
Human Responsibility Remains: This interpretation avoids the implication that God is unjust or that human free will and responsibility are negated. Individuals within both "Jacob" (Israel) and "Esau" (Edom) still have the opportunity to respond to God in faith. The national election doesn't preclude individual salvation.
God's Mercy and Hardening: When Romans 9 speaks of God hardening hearts (like Pharaoh's), FAP typically understand this as God's judicial response to persistent unbelief and rejection of His grace, rather than an arbitrary, unconditional decree that removes the possibility of faith.
In summary, FAP view of Romans 9:13 would emphasize:
The passage is primarily about national election for God's redemptive purposes in history, not individual eternal salvation.
"Hate" is a comparative term meaning to prefer less or choose a different role, not literal malice or predestination to hell.
God's choices are sovereign and ultimately serve His loving plan to offer salvation to all who believe, while still holding individuals accountable for their response.
This interpretation seeks to uphold God's sovereignty while maintaining human responsibility and the universality of God's desire for all to be saved, which are core tenets of Reformed Arminian theology.
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