ROMANS 9

PEOPLE OF ALL NATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN GOD’S RIGHTEOUS FAMILY

Knowing the freedom that comes in following Jesus, Paul deeply desires for others to know and love Christ. Paul aches for Jewish people who don’t see Jesus as the Savior and hurts for those who have rejected him.

By remembering the lives of the earlier leaders of the faith, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Esua, Paul recalls how God used the Israelites to establish the Jewish people. Paul gives the example of Pharaoh, who’s heart was hardened and rejected God. Sharing these two contrasting examples, Paul explains that God shows mercy to all kinds of people. God does not exclude anyone by heritage or nationality, but instead invites all people to follow Jesus.

Although this is far different from what both the Jewish people and the non-religious people thought would happen, Paul writes that God has the authority to do whatever He desires. Just as the potter has every right to the clay, God has authority over His creation.

Referencing the prophet Hosea, Paul tells how Jesus' followers will be called “sons of the living God.” Paul does not dismiss the importance of the Israelite people and says that without the faithful Israelites, the nation would have perished.

Paul highlights the difference between righteousness from God and self-righteousness. Referencing the words of Isaiah, Paul says that the law can cause people to stumble, making them believe their righteousness is based on their works and good deeds. He corrects this belief by saying that faith in Jesus is the only true path to righteousness.