Study Desk

^(C1)I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,

that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.

For ^(C1)I could ^(F1)wish that I myself were ^(C2)accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen ^(C3)according to the flesh,

who are ^(C1)Israelites, to whom belongs ^(C2)the adoption as sons and daughters, ^(C3)the glory, ^(C4)the covenants, ^(C5)the giving of the Law, ^(C6)the temple service, and ^(C7)the promises;

whose are ^(C1)the fathers, and ^(C2)from whom is the ^(F1)Christ according to the flesh, ^(C3)who is over all, ^(C4)God ^(C5)blessed ^(F2)forever. Amen.

But it is not as though ^(C1)the word of God has failed. ^(C2)For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel;

nor are they all children ^(C1)because they are Abraham's ^(F1)(C2)descendants, but: "^(F2)(C3)THROUGH ISAAC YOUR ^(F1)DESCENDANTS SHALL BE NAMED."

That is, it is not the children of the flesh ^(F1)who are ^(C1)children of God, but the ^(C2)children of the promise are regarded as ^(F2)(C3)descendants.

For this is the word of promise: "^(C1)AT THIS TIME I WILL COME, AND SARAH WILL HAVE A SON."

^(C1)And not only that, but there was also ^(C2)Rebekah, when she had conceived twins by one man, our father Isaac;

for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that ^(C1)God's purpose according to His choice would ^(F1)stand, not ^(F2)because of works but ^(F2)because of Him who calls,

it was said to her, "^(C1)THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER."

Just as it is written: "^(C1)JACOB I HAVE LOVED, BUT ESAU I HAVE HATED."

^(C1)What shall we say then? ^(C2)There is no injustice with God, is there? ^(F1)(C3)Far from it!

For He says to Moses, "^(C1)I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOMEVER I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL SHOW COMPASSION TO WHOMEVER I SHOW COMPASSION."