Study Desk

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?

and not all of Abraham's children are his true descendants; but "It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you."

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 descendants.

not by works but by his call) she was told, "The elder shall serve the younger."

As it is written, "I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau."

So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.

But who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God? Will what is molded say to the one who molds it, "Why have you made me like this?"

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

but Israel, who did strive for the righteousness that is based on the law, did not succeed in fulfilling that law.

Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened.

But the righteousness that comes from 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, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him?

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

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

But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."

But what is the divine reply to him? "I have kept for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.