Open Your Bibles to Romans 9 6-13

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.”

10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”


-Romans 9:6-13


In Episode 2 of Open Your Bibles, we moved into one of the most significant and thought-provoking sections of Paul’s letter.


As we look at the distinction between physical descent and the spiritual promise, we are reminded that our standing before God rests entirely on His grace. Through these verses, we see the heart of Unconditional Election. Paul highlights that God chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born.


From a Reformed view, this teaches us:


It’s God’s Choice: Salvation is based on God’s purpose, not our heritage or our efforts.



Grace is a Gift: Since God chose us before we did anything "good or bad," we can’t earn His love, and we can’t lose it through our own weakness.



God is Faithful: His word hasn't failed; He is simply gathering a "people of the promise" rather than just a "people of the flesh."

 

Thank you for being part of our study as we continue to walk through the Book of Romans. Remember to please send any questions or comments you have on this episode and we will address those at the beginning of every episode.

 

Grace and Peace.