Romans 9:6-9
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.” 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. For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
Jim – Good word. But if God said “it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned,” how can it be said that God’s children are not “children by physical descent?” Didn’t you mean it is not by physical descent ALONE? That you ALSO had to be pre-chosen by God? For it is the crux of Paul’s argument, is it not, to show that it is God alone who will decide which of Abraham’s physical descendants are “the children of promise”? Some physical descendants like Ishmael and Esau would be excluded. “Not all who are descended from Israel (Jacob) are Israel.” But still all who are reckoned “children of promise” must be first and foremost physically descended from Isaac. Otherwise the promise could not be fulfilled. I don’t believe Paul is arguing here for the inclusion of “gentiles” into the family. He explains that mystery at the end of the chapter.
Romans 9:8
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.
Galatians 3:29
If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
I want to thank you for this. I have had this on my heart and read and reread these chapters in Romans. Thank you