Romans Chapter 9

Jennie:

- vs. 1-5: Paul has great grief and sorrow in his heart for his fellow Israelites, he would choose to be separated from Christ if it meant that they could be saved.
- vs. 6-13: I think this is telling us that gentiles who believe in Christ (you and I) are also descendants of Abraham because of the promise, is that your understanding? Not sure why the reference to Rebekah and her sons...
- vs. 14-22: I struggle with these verses. I think Paul is saying that God hardens some hearts (like Pharaoh) to bring glory to his name and demonstrate his power. So some vessels (people) that the potter (God) makes are created to not be saved (predestination?). And of course I ask the exact thing this scripture tells me not to ask: how is it their fault then? The answer is: who are we to question God? Which is probably perfectly legitimate - I have no right to question God for who am I? Did I create the heavens and the earth and set the waters into place and breathe life into living creatures? No. But I just can't help but to think that's sort of a "lame" explanation. It's like a parent telling a child "because I said so".
- vs. 23-29: Verses about other places in scripture that show us that God called some from among the Jews and from among the Gentiles
- vs. 30-33: I think this is saying that Jesus is a "stumbling block" because we get tripped up trying to understand that we are saved not by works (following the law or being "good") but by faith in Jesus Christ alone. But for those who believe in Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior, we will not be disappointed.

Love!