Study Desk

because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

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?

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)—

You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who has ever resisted his will?"

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?

And what if he is willing to make known the wealth of his glory on the objects of mercy that he has prepared beforehand for glory—

for the Lord will execute his sentence on the earth completely and quickly."

So I ask, God has not rejected his people, has he? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew! Do you not know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?

Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God—harshness toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how fathomless his ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord , or who has been his counselor?

And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith.

Rather, if your enemy is hungry , feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head .

Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Who are you to pass judgment on another's servant? Before his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

One person regards one day holier than other days, and another regards them all alike. Each must be fully convinced in his own mind.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up.

and thus the Gentiles glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, " Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles , and I will sing praises to your name ."

And again it says: " Rejoice , O Gentiles , with his people ."