Romans 9:6–8
Did you know that there are two Israels in the Bible?
Paul’s message, as found in Romans 9:6–8, unveils a truth that challenges our understanding of God’s promises.
“But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: ‘THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS SHALL BE NAMED.’ That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.”
It’s a challenging thought, isn’t it? God made a multitude of promises to the chosen people, the people of Israel. Yet, they chose to reject Christ. The burning question arises: Did God break His promise? Did all those sacred commitments vanish into thin air?
Paul assures us that God’s word can never be shattered. The true Israel and the earthly Israel, though intertwined, are distinct. Not every inhabitant of the earthly Israel is a member of the true Israel.
The earthly Israel, in all its earthly splendor, was merely a reflection of the true people of God who genuinely belong to Him. God’s promises were bestowed upon the true Israel, a distinction we must comprehend.
As you dive deeper into this revelation, the truth surfaces: the two testaments of the Bible are, in essence, a singular narrative. The Epistle of Romans is an expansive exposition of the gospel, rooted in the firm foundation laid in the Old Testament.
The genuine people of God have been throughout time, scattered throughout the pages of the Bible. The authentic heirs of Abraham are those who possess the unwavering faith in God just like Abraham.
Hence, if you, a converted Gentile, have embraced this faith, you stand closer to the heart of the true Israel than one who merely traces their lineage back to Abraham’s flesh and blood.
Let this understanding be your guiding light today, illuminating the unity and purpose that the “crimson thread” found through the pages of God’s word. The mystery of the two Israels is a revelation that causes us to embrace the depth of God’s promises and the unity of His Word.
For a devotion on Romans 9:10–13 click here.
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