Messages by Desiring God The Hardening of Pharaoh and the Hope of the World
Feb 9, 2003
Dive into the fascinating exploration of how God’s sovereignty shapes history, as illustrated through Pharaoh's hardening in Exodus. Discover the unity between Scripture's Old and New Testaments, emphasizing divine revelation in Christ. John Piper expands on the mystery of God’s mercy and hardening, discussing how unconditional election plays a role. He tackles objections to God's justice and highlights the purpose behind the plagues as a display of divine power. Ultimately, the importance of prayer and belief in light of God's sovereign will is powerfully emphasized.
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Hardening Doesn't Excuse Guilt
- God's hardening doesn't remove human guilt or responsibility.
- Piper stresses those hardened are truly blameworthy and will justly perish despite God's ordination.
Natural Reading Favors Unconditional Action
- The phrase 'he hardens whomever he wills' naturally implies God's decisive will.
- Piper argues the parallel with mercy supports unconditional divine hardening.
Election Precedes Human Action
- Paul infers God's actions don't depend on human will, as in 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy.'
- Piper uses Jacob and Esau to show election and hardening precede deeds or birth.
