Study Desk

What shall we conclude then from this? if God be for us, who can be against us?

he that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, will he not with him likewise freely give us all things?

who shall condemn them? shall Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, and makes intercession for us?

for as it is written , "for thy sake we are sacrificed every day; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter:"

for I am fully persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

for I could wish to be as one anathematiz'd from the christian church for my brethren, who are of the same race as my self,

who are the offspring of the patriarchs, and of whom as to the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

However, the divine promise cannot but have its effect. for they are not the whole of Israel, who are descended from Israel:

for the words of the promise run thus, "at this time I will come, and Sara shall have a son."

for before they were born, and had done neither good or evil, that the distinction which God had purposed to make might appear to be, not in consideration of their actions, but of his own free call,

God forbid. for he saith to Moses, "I will show favour to whom I will show favour, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

for 'tis said in scripture to Pharaoh , "even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."

But you will object, why does he then find fault? for "who can resist his will?"

is not the potter the master of his own clay, of the same mass to make one vessel for use and ornament, and another for a meaner purpose?

and display his infinite goodness to such objects of mercy, as he had prepared for glory?

for in ballancing the account, the Lord will leave a small remainder upon the land."

why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;

Brethren, my hearty desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved.

for I bear them witness, that they have a zeal for God, but not guided by true knowledge.

for the end of the law was to bring men to Christ, that every one who believeth, might be justified.