Study Desk

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

In the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself intercedesintercedes for us">[fn] with groans too deep for words,Zechariah 12:10; Matthew 20:22; Ephesians 6:18; James 4:3;">[xr]

The one who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for all of us - surely he will give us all things along with him, won't he?Romans 4:25;">[xr]

That is, it is not the children of natural descent who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as descendants.Galatians 4:28;">[xr]

Not only that, but Rebecca became pregnant by our ancestor Isaac.Genesis 25:21;">[xr]

As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."Malachi 1:2-3">[fn]Deuteronomy 21:15; Proverbs 13:24; Malachi 1:2-3; Matthew 10:37; Luke 14:26; John 12:25;">[xr]

Therefore, God's choiceit">[fn] does not depend on a person's will or effort, but on God himself, who shows mercy.

including us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but from the Gentiles as well?Romans 3:29;">[xr]

But Israel, who did pursue the righteousness that is based on the law, did not arrive at that law.Romans 10:2; 11:7; Galatians 5:4;">[xr]

Why not? Because they did not pursue it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They stumbled over the stone that causes people to stumble.Luke 2:34; 1 Corinthians 1:23;">[xr]

For I can testify on their behalf that they have a zeal for God, but it is not in keeping with full knowledge.Acts 21:20; 22:3; Romans 9:31; Galatians 1:14; 4:17;">[xr]

But the righteousness that comes from faith says, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down),Deuteronomy 30:12-13;">[xr]

But what does it say? "The message is near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart."Deuteronomy 9:4; 30:12-14">[fn] This is the message of faith that we proclaim:Deuteronomy 30:14;">[xr]

But not everyone has obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah asks, "Lord, who has believed our message?"Isaiah 53:1">[fn]Isaiah 53:1; John 12:38; Romans 3:3; Hebrews 4:2;">[xr]

But I ask, "Didn't they hear?" Certainly they did! In fact,1 Kings 18:10; Psalm 19:4; Matthew 4:8; 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Colossians 1:6,23;">[xr] "Their voice has gone out into the whole world, and their words to the ends of the earth."Psalm 19:4">[fn]

But about Israel he says,Isaiah 65:2;">[xr] "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and rebellious people."Isaiah 65:2 (LXX)">[fn]

But what was the divine reply to him? "I have reserved for myself 7,000 people who have not knelt to worship Baal."1 Kings 19:18">[fn]1 Kings 19:18;">[xr]

But if this is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.Deuteronomy 9:4-5; Romans 4:4-5; Galatians 5:4;">[xr]

What, then, does this mean?does this mean">[fn] It means that Israel failed to obtain what it was striving for, but those who were chosen obtained it. However, the rest were hardened.Romans 9:31; 10:3;">[xr]

For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?