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But Not All Abraham’s Physical Children Are Children of God

But it is not such as that the word of God has failed— for not all[a] these ones from Israel are Israel. Nor are they all children because they are seed of Abraham, but “In Isaac a seed will be called for you” [Gen 21:12]. That is, these children of the flesh are not children of God, but the children of [b] the promise are counted for seed. For the word of promise is this: “I will come at this time, and there will be a son to Sarah” [Gen 18:10]. 10 And not only this, but there is also Rebekah having bed[c] from one man, Isaac our father. 11 For the twins having not yet been born nor having done anything good or bad— in order that the purpose[d] of God according to His choosing[e] might continue[f], 12 not of works but of the One calling— it was said to her [in Gen 25:23] that “the older will serve the younger”. 13 Just as it has been written [in Mal 1:2-3]: “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau”.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 9:6 All of Abraham’s physical descendants are not partakers of God’s promises made to him, as seen even in the very first case, Isaac and Ishmael.
  2. Romans 9:8 That is, belonging to, originating in, proceeding from the promise.
  3. Romans 9:10 That is, having conceived.
  4. Romans 9:11 Same word as in 8:28.
  5. Romans 9:11 Or, election, selection.
  6. Romans 9:11 With Jacob as with Isaac, God chose before their birth, without reference to their works, who would be the promised ‘seed’ of Abraham.

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