1 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies…

2 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31–39 (NIV84)

3 Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

4 Child of God to God the father “you did not keep your promises to Israel” “You did not keep your word” “Do not do what you say you will do”

5 Child of God to God the father “you did not keep your promises to Israel” “You did not keep your word” 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed.

6 Abraham Hagar Sarah Ishmael 15 years older Isaac

7 and Rebekah Esau (elder) Jacob (younger)

8 6 It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. 7 Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” [b] 8 In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. b

9 9 For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” [c] 10 Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12 not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” [d] cd

10 Abraham Hagar Sarah Ishmael 15 years older Isaac Esau (elder) Jacob (younger)

11 1.Has God’s word failed? No – God always kept his word His word said only some Jews would be saved 2.Isn’t God unjust or unfair?

12 Just and fair = all judged

13 Mercy and compassion = Jesus on the cross judged

14 1.Has God’s word failed? No – God always kept his word His word said only some Jews would be saved 2.Isn’t God unjust or unfair? No, mercy and grace are God’s to give 3.Why does God still blame us?

15 22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?