Study Desk

Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings.

Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?

Not only that, but when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our ancestor Isaac—

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God's purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling)—

just as it is written: " Jacob I loved , but Esau I hated ."

So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.

But who indeed are you—a mere human being—to talk back to God? Does what is molded say to the molder , " Why have you made me like this? "

But what if God, willing to demonstrate his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience the objects of wrath prepared for destruction?

even us, whom he has called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

but Israel even though pursuing a law of righteousness did not attain it.

Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth.

But the righteousness that is by faith says: " Do not say in your heart , ‘Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down)

But what does it say? " The word is near you , in your mouth and in your heart " (that is, the word of faith that we preach),

But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, " Lord , who has believed our report ?"

But I ask, have they not heard? Yes, they have: Their voice has gone out to all the earth , and their words to the ends of the world .

But again I ask, didn't Israel understand? First Moses says, " I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; with a senseless nation I will provoke you to anger ."

But about Israel he says, " All day long I held out my hands to this disobedient and stubborn people! "