Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about Esau's birthright?
The Bible illustrates Esau's birthright as a symbol of God's promises, which he despised for immediate gratification, emphasizing the importance of valuing spiritual inheritance.
Moreover, through the story of Esau and Jacob, we understand God’s sovereign plan in election. Romans 9:10-13 illustrates that the birthright was not simply about family lineage but was given by divine decree to Jacob, affirming that God’s promises are based on His purpose of election rather than human merit. Thus, the narrative serves not only as a historical account but also as a serious warning to those who hear the gospel and, like Esau, may disregard its value for fleeting desires.
Genesis 25:32, Hebrews 12:16, Romans 9:10-13
How do we know God's election is true?
God's election is affirmed in Scripture, particularly in Romans 9, which emphasizes that His mercy and purpose in salvation are sovereign and not based on human actions.
Furthermore, Romans 9:16 clarifies that it is not up to human will or effort, but rather it is God who shows mercy. This assures us that salvation is secure, as it is based on God’s eternal decree. The narrative of Esau serves as a caution that those who reject God’s free offer of grace do so at their peril – they forfeit the eternal treasures for immediate, temporal satisfaction. Thus, the veracity of God's election is a foundation of hope and assurance for believers, reminding us that our salvation is ultimately in His hands.
Romans 9:10-13, Romans 9:16
Why is God's sovereign grace important for Christians?
God's sovereign grace assures Christians of their salvation and underscores that it is entirely reliant on His mercy, not human effort.
The significance of this doctrine is further evidenced in the story of Esau and Jacob, where God's electing love is displayed. Romans 8:28-30 reaffirms that those whom God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, assuring believers that their salvation is secure within His sovereign plan. Knowing that our standing before God is wholly attributed to His grace empowers Christians to live with confidence, gratitude, and a desire to share this gospel of grace with others.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:28-30
The birthright which Esau despised and sold for a morsel of meat (Hebrews 12:16) was not the natural inheritance of his father but, all of the promises of God in the coming redeemer. To him, it was just spiritual folklore and superstitious tradition. While the concept of such things may have a moral good and offer some future comfort to the dying, he could not see their immediate value. (Genesis 25:32) He saw more value in a bowl of red stew than he did in the gospel of Gods’ covenant redeemer. There are two things here that were true of Esau and are true of all those who hear the gospel and laugh it to scorn.
First, is that the birthright was his. All he had to do was receive it. He had no work to be done and no price to pay. It was his to embrace, rejoice in, and be thankful for. So it is when the gospel is preached. “—the Spirit and the bride say, come. And let him that heareth say, come. And let him that is athirst, come. And whosever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17) But having heard the gospel they trade it off, like an unwanted piece of furniture, for whatever present need or want they have.
The second thing that I see in Esau ,and all those like him , is that the birthright was never theirs. By divine decree, through an eternal election of grace, God gave the birthright to Jacob (Romans 9:10-13) In these two sons of Isaac, God will establish forever the purpose of God according to election. It is established as to the author of it, the way of it, and the objects of it. “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of Go that sheweth mercy." (Romans 9:16)
As best I can, I preach to all who will give me a hearing. I do my best to set before them the full free gospel of Gods’ sovereign grace in Christ. But, the hope that sustains me is Gods’ eternal purpose to save a people for the glory of his name. “all that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37)
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