Day 231.
And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 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— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (Romans 9:10-13 ESV)
Paul explains why it is that the Gentiles are now coming into the church and many Jews are rejecting Christ. God’s promises to Israel about being a great nation with someone to sit on the throne did not fail. For the true children of Abraham are those who are children according to God’s sovereign choice rather than simply by blood.
The Christian takes no credit for his own salvation. We merely respond to the saving work that God works in our hearts and minds. If it weren’t for God’s work in us, we would have no interest in God and the things of God. Just as Paul wrote in chapter 3, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12 ESV) God saves us according to his mercy and not our worthiness so that the glory for our salvation belongs solely to God.
How does this impact the way you think about God?
McCheyne’s Bible Reading Plan: 1 Sa 11, Ro 9, Jer 48, Lk 16
