New Testament in a Year

Israel’s Rejection of Christ

9 I speak the truth in Christ^(A)—I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit^[a]— ² that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish^(B) that I myself were cursed^(C) and cut off^[b] from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood. ⁴ They are Israelites,^(D) and to them belong the adoption,^(E) the glory,^(F) the covenants,^(G) the giving of the law,^(H) the temple service,^(I) and the promises.^{(J) 5} The ancestors are theirs,^(K) and from them, by physical descent,^[c] came the Christ,^(L) who is God^(M) over all,^(N) praised forever.^[d](O) Amen.

God’s Gracious Election of Israel

⁶ Now it is not as though the word of God has failed,^(P) because not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.^{(Q) 7} Neither is it the case that all of Abraham’s children are his descendants.^[e](R) On the contrary, your offspring will be traced^[f] through Isaac.^{[g](S) 8} That is, it is not the children by physical descent^[h] who are God’s children,^(T) but the children of the promise^(U) are considered to be the offspring. ⁹ For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.^{[i](V) 10} And not only that,^(W) but Rebekah conceived children^(X) through one man, our father Isaac. ¹¹ For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand^(Y)— ¹² not from works but from the one who calls—she was told, The older will serve the younger.^{[j](Z) 13} As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.^[k](AA)

God’s Selection Is Just

¹⁴ What should we say then?^(AB) Is there injustice with God?^(AC) Absolutely not!^{(AD) 15} For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.^[l](AE)