Children of Promise vs. Children of Flesh
Abraham's Sons
In Romans 9:6-8, Paul references Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. Only Isaac was the child of promise, while Ishmael was Abraham's offspring but not according to God's promise.
Paul makes it clear: "It is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring."
Jacob and Esau
Paul continues with Isaac's two sons, Jacob and Esau. Though both were born of Isaac, God said "the older will serve the younger." This demonstrates God's sovereign right to elect some to salvation and not others.
The doctrine of election raises questions about fairness, which Paul addresses by appealing to pillars of faith like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses to show God's consistent pattern throughout history.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
The Question of Fairness
"Is there injustice on God's part?" Paul answers, "By no means!" God declares, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
The Potter and Clay Analogy
"Who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'" Paul reminds us we are like clay in the hands of a perfect Creator.
Salvation by Faith
Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness attained it through faith, while Israel pursued righteousness through works and failed. Abraham was counted righteous by faith, not works.
Israel's Misunderstanding of Righteousness
Paul's Heartfelt Concern
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge."
The Fundamental Error
"Being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."
The True Path to Salvation
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Salvation is not about climbing up to God but receiving His grace through faith.
How Faith Comes
Hearing
"How are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?"
Preaching
"How are they to hear without someone preaching?"
Sending
"How are they to preach unless they are sent?"
Believing
"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
This passage underscores the importance of mission work and evangelism. Unless people are sent out with the message of the Gospel, no one will hear, and no one will believe. Churches must equip people to share the gospel with their families, communities, and around the world.
God Has Not Rejected His People
1
The Question
"Has God rejected his people?" Paul answers emphatically, "By no means!" He himself is an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham from the tribe of Benjamin.
2
The Remnant
"At the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace."
3
The Purpose
"Through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous." God's plan includes using Israel's hardening to bring salvation to the Gentiles.
4
The Promise
"A partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And in this way all Israel will be saved."
The Mystery of God's Plan
God's Glory
"To him be glory forever. Amen."
God's Wisdom
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!"
God's Sovereignty
"How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"
God's Purpose
"For from him and through him and to him are all things."
As Paul concludes this section of his letter, he erupts in praise at God's incredible plan to save His people among both Gentiles and Jews. The partial hardening of Israel is limited in both scope and time, and one day Israel will recognize Jesus as their Messiah.
Our Response to God's Sovereign Grace
Respond with Gratitude
Be grateful that the Lord has chosen to reveal the glory of His Son to you. While Israel is partially hardened, the gospel has come to the Gentiles generally, and to you specifically.
Embrace Humility
Recognize that what you have been given is by sheer mercy. God has been merciful to you despite your unworthiness. Divine election should lead to greater humility, not arrogance.
Live with Passion
Acknowledge that the path of salvation is through the preaching of the Gospel. Who will preach? Who will go? How blessed to be the feet that brings good news!