ROMANS 9

Paul said he would exchange his own life for that of his brethren (Israel) if it meant that they would believe; after all, the entire nation was chosen to receive God's calling, the glory of God's presence, the covenants, the Law, the temple service, the promised Messiah, through the Fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Nonetheless, not all of the descendants of Abraham are heirs of the promise, but only those who were called through Isaac. 

In Isaac your seed shall be called.

Even before the twins, Esau and Jacob, were born of Rebecca (and Isaac), having done neither good or evil, God's purpose was to call Jacob, not of works, but according to election.

The older shall serve the younger.

And it was written:

Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.

Does this mean God is unjust? No. 

God told Moses that He will have mercy and compassion on whomever He will have mercy and compassion. Therefore, it is not of human will or choice or by man's works or merit, but of God's mercy.

Then Paul threw in more supporting evidence regarding Pharoah, that God raised him up to demonstrate His power in him because God shows mercy or hardens whom He will.

But then why should any man be faulted for his sin or unbelief? If your question is genuine, that is one thing; but do not use it as an excuse for your own sin and unbelief. Does the pot ask the potter why he made him for a particular purpose?

God can use His creation to demonstrate His wrath, power, and glorious mercy. In fact, God could destroy all sinners instantly, but has chosen to be patient and show mercy instead. Furthermore, God does not cause people to be sinful, but rather He leaves them to their own devices because that is what they themselves have chosen. Meanwhile, He grants those sinners whom He has chosen for salvation, "which He prepared beforehand," grace, compassion, and forgiveness through Christ.

Paul then used scripture from Hosea and Isaiah to argue that Israel was called out by God and that He will also save a remnant from them in the end.

I will call them My people, who were not My people...

The remnant will be saved. For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness... 

Unless the Lord...had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom,...and...made like Gomorrah.

Although God chooses some for mercy, those who reject the gospel will receive His judgment. The Gentiles received His righteousness through their faith, while Israel was rejected because they rather earn it through the Law.  

COMMENTARY

According to McGee, Romans chapters 1-8 is doctrinal, emphasizing faith and salvation; chapters 9-11 is dispensational, emphasizing hope and segregation; and chapters 12-16 is duty, emphasizing love and service. 

Paul "has concluded the first eight chapters...put[ting] salvation on a broad basis because the entire human race is lost...Salvation [is] available to everyone on one basis alone -- faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In this section, Paul explains who Israel is, that God is not done with Israel, and that God's remnant is always spiritual. 

This is such a deep chapter, and I do not have the time to go through McGee's commentary and pull out everything I want to share. I will conclude with my final notes:

If you want to be saved, you are the elect. If you don't, you aren't. 

Also, the humble man will come in simple faith. The natural man will try to produce salvation by natural processes or to reconcile the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man, as if the puny mind of man is capable. 

credit: Free Bible Lessons on Romans 9