4. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the temple service, and the promises.
5. The ancestors are theirs, and from them, by physical descent, came the Messiah, who is God over all, praised forever. Amen.
6. But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7. Neither are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants. On the contrary, your offspring will be traced through Isaac.
8. That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring.
9. For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.
10. And not only that, but also Rebekah received a promise when she became pregnant by one man, our ancestor Isaac.
11. For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand —
12. not from works but from the One who calls — she was told: The older will serve the younger.
13. As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.
14. What should we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not!
15. For He tells Moses:I will show mercyto whom I will show mercy,and I will have compassionon whom I will have compassion.
16. So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.
17. For the Scripture tells Pharaoh:I raised you up for this reasonso that I may display My power in youand that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
18. So then, He shows mercy to those He wants to, and He hardens those He wants to harden.
19. You will say to me, therefore, “Why then does He still find fault? For who can resist His will? ”