Romans 9

“That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendents” (v8).  Some take this chapter as a strict theology of predestination, but it’s not about God arbitrarily saving people.  Rather, the emphasis is on God’s mercy, in contrast to humans “controlling” salvation through their own efforts.  Paul said that Israel didn’t receive what was promised because “they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works” (v32).

Instead of trying to control God, the “children of the promise” accept the gift of salvation by faith, as Abraham did (4:3).