Romans 9:25-26 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” 26 “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
The Gentiles can become God’s people because of God’s mercy. God’s will is that all people will be saved but God allows people to choose to cooperate with this. The offer is given but people must accept it. The Jews considered themselves God’s chosen people, based on ancient Scripture passages like Exodus 19:5-6. Indeed, Israel had a special plan in God’s plan. They were to be the instruments through which God reached the rest of the world. The story of Jonah gives further evidence of that. However, the problem of pride lead to the false assumption of inherited righteousness. Paul is showing in this letter that righteousness is a gift of grace that is received through faith. It is not inherited or earned. This allows other groups to become part of God’s people. Paul quotes from the prophet Hosea to add support to his idea. Even the election of Israel was by mercy. They had walked away from God generation after generation. Yet God continued to show mercy because of his grace and promise. God’s grace and promise are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and include all who call on the name of Jesus. Any human being can be called “sons [and daughters] of the living God.”
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