Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible



When Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to him saying, "I am the almighty God: walk before me and be uncorrupt. And I will make my covenant between thee and me, and will multiply thee exceedingly." And Abram fell on his face. And God talked moreover with him, saying, read more.
"I am. Behold, my covenant is with thee, that thou shalt be a father of many nations. Therefore shalt thou no more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham: for a father of many nations have I made thee, and I will multiply thee exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: yea, and kings shall spring out of thee. Moreover, I will make my covenant between me, and thee, and thy seed after thee; in their times to be an everlasting testament, so that I will be God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger: even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God." And God said unto Abraham, "See thou keep my covenant, both thou and thy seed after thee in their times. This is my covenant which ye shall keep between me and you and thy seed after thee: that ye circumcise all your men children. Ye shall circumcise the foreskin of your flesh, and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And every manchild when it is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you in your generations, and all servants also born at home or bought with money, though they be strangers and not of thy seed. The servant born in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised, that my covenant may be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. If there be any uncircumcised manchild, that hath not the foreskin of his flesh cut off, his soul shall perish from his people: because he hath broken my covenant." And God said unto Abraham, "Sarai, thy wife, shall no more be called Sarai: but Sara shall her name be. For I will bless her and give thee a son of her; and will bless her so that people, yea and kings of people, shall spring of her." And Abraham fell upon his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? And shall Sara, that is ninety years old, bear?" And Abraham said unto God, "O that Ishmael might live in thy sight!" Then said God, "Nay. Sara thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my covenant with him, that it shall be an everlasting covenant unto his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have heard thy request: lo, I will bless him and increase him, and multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make a great nation of him. But my covenant will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee: even this time, twelve month." And God left off talking with him, and departed up from Abraham.

Thou shalt keep thy trust with Jacob, and thy mercy for Abraham, like as thou hast sworn unto our fathers long ago.

And to perform the oath, which he sware to our father Abraham, for to give us.

For the promise that he should be heir of the world was not given to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law: but through the righteousness which cometh of faith.

And I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he had no greater thing to swear by, he sware by himself, saying, "Surely I will bless thee, and multiply thee indeed."

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith. Brethren, I will speak after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth anything thereto when it is once allowed. To Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "in the seeds," as in many: But, "in thy seed," as in one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began afterward, beyond four hundred and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto Christ ward, to make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not of promise: but God gave it unto Abraham by promise.


For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free woman. Yea, and he which was of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh: but he which was of the freewoman, was born by promise. Which things betoken mystery. For these women are two testaments, the one from the mount Sinai, which gendreth unto bondage, which is Hagar. read more.
- For mount Sinai is called Hagar in Arabia, and bordereth upon the city which is now Jerusalem - and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem, which is above, is free: which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice thou barren, that bearest no children: break forth and cry, thou that travailest not. For the desolate hath many more children, than she which hath a husband." Brethren, we are, after the manner of Isaac, children of promise: But as then he that was born carnally, persecuted him that was born spiritually; Even so is it now. Nevertheless, what saith the scripture? "Put away the bondwoman and her son. For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman: but of the freewoman.



But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.


The gentiles heard, and were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and believed even as many as were ordained unto eternal life.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost.



And the Apostles and the brethren that were throughout Jewry heard say that the Heathen had also received the word of God.

And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it."

that is to say, us which he called, not of the Jews only, but also of the gentiles.

And let the gentiles praise God for his mercy. As it is written, "For this cause I will praise thee among the gentiles, and sing in thy name."





And as I began to preach, the holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the Lord, how he said, 'John baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the holy ghost.' Forasmuch then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ: what was I that I should have withstood God?"


And as the halt which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran amazed unto them in Solomon's porch. When Peter saw that, he answered unto the people, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so steadfastly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man go? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus, whom ye delivered and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had judged him to be loosed: read more.
but ye denied the holy and just, and desired a murderer to be given you, and killed the Lord of life whom God hath raised from death, of the which we are witnesses: And his name, through the faith of his name, hath made this man sound whom ye see and know. And the faith which is by him, hath to him given this health, in the presence of you all.

We suppose, therefore we hold, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles? Yes, even of the Gentiles also. For it is God only which justifieth circumcision, which is of faith: and uncircumcision through faith. read more.
Do we then destroy the law through faith? God forbid. But we, rather, maintain the law.

What shall we say then? We say that the gentiles which followed not righteousness, have overtaken righteousness: I mean, the righteousness which cometh of faith.

For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." read more.
That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.

For by grace are ye made safe through faith, and that, not of yourselves: For it is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, unto the which God ordained us before, that we should walk in them.

Faith is a sure confidence of things which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen. By it the elders were well reported of. Through faith we understand that the world was ordained, by the word of God: and that things which are seen, were made of things which are not seen. read more.
By faith, Abel offered unto God a more plenteous sacrifice than Cain: by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: by which also he being dead, yet speaketh. By faith was Enoch translated that he should not see death; neither was he found, for God had taken him away. Before he was taken away, he was reported of that he had pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: For he that cometh to God, must believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him. By faith Noah honoured God, after that he was warned of things which were not seen, and prepared the ark to the saving of his household, through the which ark he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which cometh by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out into a place which he should afterward receive to inheritance, and he went out, not knowing whither he should go. By faith he removed into the land that was promised him, as into a strange country, and dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac, and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith Sarah also received strength to be with child, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful which had promised.


The gentiles heard, and were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and believed even as many as were ordained unto eternal life.

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost.



And the Apostles and the brethren that were throughout Jewry heard say that the Heathen had also received the word of God.

And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it."

that is to say, us which he called, not of the Jews only, but also of the gentiles.

And let the gentiles praise God for his mercy. As it is written, "For this cause I will praise thee among the gentiles, and sing in thy name."



And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter. And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us; read more.
And he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, as they do."

When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, "Well spake the holy ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, saying, 'Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see and shall not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them.' read more.
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it."

What shall we say then? We say that the gentiles which followed not righteousness, have overtaken righteousness: I mean, the righteousness which cometh of faith. But Israel, which followed the law of righteousness, could not attain unto the law of righteousness. And wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith: but as it were, by the works of the law. For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. read more.
As it is written, "Behold I put in Zion a stumbling stone, and a rock which shall make men fall. And none that believe on him, shall be ashamed."

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For even I verily am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, and of the tribe of Benjamin; God hath not cast away his people which he knew before. Either know ye not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Elijah, how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord they have killed thy prophets and digged down thine altars: and I am left only, and they seek my life." read more.
But what saith the answer of God to him again? "I have reserved unto me seven thousand men which have not bowed their knees to Baal." Even so at this time is there a remnant left through the election of grace. If it be of grace, then is it not of works. For then were grace no more grace. If it be by the deserving of works, then is it no more grace. For then were deserving no longer deserving. What then? Israel hath not obtained that that he sought. No but yet the election hath obtained it. The remnant are blinded, according as it is written, "God hath given them the spirit of unquietness: eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, even unto this day." And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare to take them withal, and an occasion to fall, and a reward unto them. Let their eyes be blinded that they see not: and ever bow down their backs." I say then, Have they therefore stumbled that they should but fall only? God forbid: but through their fall is salvation happened unto the gentiles for to provoke them withal. Wherefore, if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the gentiles, how much more should it be so if they all believed? I speak to you gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the gentiles I will magnify mine office that I might provoke them which are my flesh: and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them, be the reconciling of the world: what shall the receiving of them be, but life again from death? For if one piece be holy, the whole heap is holy. And if the root be holy, the branches are holy also. Though some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, art graft in among them, and made partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not thyself against the branches. For if thou boast thyself, remember that thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, "The branches are broken off, that I might be graft in." Thou sayest well: because of unbelief they are broken off, and thou standest steadfast in faith. Be not high minded, but fear: seeing that God spared not the natural branches, lest haply he also spare not thee. Behold the kindness and rigorousness of God: on them which fell, rigorousness: but towards thee, kindness; if thou continue in his kindness. Or else thou shalt be hewn off, and they if they bide not still in unbelief shall be grafted in again. For God is of power to graft them in again. For if thou wast cut out of a natural wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature in a true olive tree: how much more shall the natural branches be graffed in their own olive tree again? I would not that this secret should be hid from you my brethren, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that partly blindness is happened in Israel, until the fullness of the gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved. As it is written, "There shall come out of Zion he that doth deliver, and shall turn away the ungodliness of Jacob. And this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are loved for the fathers' sake. For verily the gifts and calling of God are such, that it cannot repent him of them. For look, as ye in time past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: even so, now, have they not believed the mercy which is happened unto you; that they also may obtain mercy. God hath wrapped all nations in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.




But I say unto you, that of every idle word, that men shall have spoken, they shall give accounts at the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified: and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.

We suppose, therefore we hold, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles? Yes, even of the Gentiles also. For it is God only which justifieth circumcision, which is of faith: and uncircumcision through faith.

Wilt thou understand, o thou vain man, that faith without deeds is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified through works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest how that faith wrought within his deeds, and through the deeds was the faith made perfect. read more.
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. Ye see, then, how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot justified through works, when she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?


But their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same covering, untaken away, in the old testament when they read it - which in Christ is put away: But even unto this day, when Moses is read the veil hangeth before their hearts. Nevertheless when they turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.


There is, then, no damnation to them which are in Christ Jesus: which walk not after the flesh but after the spirit: For the law of the spirit, that bringeth life through Jesus Christ, hath delivered me from the law of sin, and death: For what the law could not do, inasmuch as it was weak because of the flesh - that performed God, and sent his son in the similitude of sinful flesh, and by sin damned sin in the flesh; read more.
that the righteousness required of the law might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

Remember ye not brethren - I speak to them that know the law - how that the law hath power over a man as long as it endureth? For the woman which is in subjection to a man, is bound by the law to the man, as long as he liveth. If the man be dead, she is loosed from the law of the man. So then, if while the man liveth she couple herself with another man, she shall be counted a wedlock-breaker. But if the man be dead she is free from the law: so that she is no wedlock-breaker, though she couple herself with another man. read more.
Even so, ye my brethren; ye also are made dead as concerning the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be coupled to another - I mean to him that is risen again from death - that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the lusts of sin which were stirred up by the law, reigned in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. But now are we delivered from the law, and dead from that whereunto we were in bondage: that we should serve in a new conversation of the spirit, and not in the old conversation of the letter. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid: but I knew not what sin meant but by the law. For I had not known what lust had meant, except the law had said, "Thou shalt not lust." But sin took an occasion by the means of the commandment, and wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For verily, without the law sin was dead. I once lived without law: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I was dead. And the very same commandment which was ordained unto life, was found to be unto me an occasion of death. For sin took occasion by the means of the commandment and so deceived me, and by the selfsame commandment, slew me. Wherefore the law is holy: and the commandment holy, just, and good. Was that, then, which is good made death unto me? God forbid. Nay, sin was death unto me, that it might appear: how that sin by the means of that which is good, had wrought death in me: that sin which is under the commandment, might be out of measure sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin: because I know not what I do. For what I would, that do I not: but what I hate, that do I. If I do now that which I would not, I grant to the law that it is good. So then, now it is not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me, that is to say, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing. To will is present with me: but I find no means to perform that which is good. For I do not that good thing which I would: but that evil do I, which I would not. Finally, if I do that I would not, then is it not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me doeth it. I find then, by the law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. I delight in the law of God, as concerning the inner man. But I see another law in my members rebelling against the law of my mind, and subduing me unto the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord: So then I myself in my mind serve the law of God, and in my flesh the law of sin.

know that a man is not justified by the deeds of the law: but by the faith of Jesus Christ - and therefore we have believed on Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the deeds of the law: because that no flesh shall be justified by the deeds of the law. If then, while we seek to be made righteous by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is not then Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again that which I destroyed, then make I myself a trespasser. read more.
But I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ. I live verily, yet now not I, but Christ liveth in me. For the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, which loved me, and gave himself for me. I despise not the grace of God: For if righteousness come of the law, then is Christ died in vain.

For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. read more.
But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.

Even so we, as long as we were children, were in bondage under the ordinances of the world: But when the time was full come, God sent his son - born of a woman, and made bond unto the law - to redeem them which were under the law: that we through election might receive the inheritance that belongeth unto the natural sons. read more.
Because ye are sons, God hath sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, which crieth "Abba, father." Wherefore now art thou not a servant, but a son. If thou be the son, thou art also the heir of God through Christ. Notwithstanding, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which by nature were no gods: But now, seeing ye know God - yea rather are known of God - how is it that ye turn again unto the weak and beggarly ceremonies, whereunto again ye desire afresh to be in bondage? Ye observe the days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labour in vain.

But now in Christ Jesus, ye which a while ago were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken down the wall in the midst, that was a stop between us, and hath also put away, through his flesh, the cause of hatred - that is to say, the law of commandments contained in the law written - for to make of twain one new man in himself, so making peace.


And the apostles and elders came together to reason of this matter. And when there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, "Ye men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us; read more.
And he put no difference between them and us, but with faith purified their hearts. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, as they do."

When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, "Well spake the holy ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, saying, 'Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see and shall not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears were thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them.' read more.
Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it."

What shall we say then? We say that the gentiles which followed not righteousness, have overtaken righteousness: I mean, the righteousness which cometh of faith. But Israel, which followed the law of righteousness, could not attain unto the law of righteousness. And wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith: but as it were, by the works of the law. For they have stumbled at the stumbling stone. read more.
As it is written, "Behold I put in Zion a stumbling stone, and a rock which shall make men fall. And none that believe on him, shall be ashamed."

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For even I verily am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, and of the tribe of Benjamin; God hath not cast away his people which he knew before. Either know ye not what the scripture saith by the mouth of Elijah, how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, "Lord they have killed thy prophets and digged down thine altars: and I am left only, and they seek my life." read more.
But what saith the answer of God to him again? "I have reserved unto me seven thousand men which have not bowed their knees to Baal." Even so at this time is there a remnant left through the election of grace. If it be of grace, then is it not of works. For then were grace no more grace. If it be by the deserving of works, then is it no more grace. For then were deserving no longer deserving. What then? Israel hath not obtained that that he sought. No but yet the election hath obtained it. The remnant are blinded, according as it is written, "God hath given them the spirit of unquietness: eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, even unto this day." And David saith, "Let their table be made a snare to take them withal, and an occasion to fall, and a reward unto them. Let their eyes be blinded that they see not: and ever bow down their backs." I say then, Have they therefore stumbled that they should but fall only? God forbid: but through their fall is salvation happened unto the gentiles for to provoke them withal. Wherefore, if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the gentiles, how much more should it be so if they all believed? I speak to you gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the gentiles I will magnify mine office that I might provoke them which are my flesh: and might save some of them. For if the casting away of them, be the reconciling of the world: what shall the receiving of them be, but life again from death? For if one piece be holy, the whole heap is holy. And if the root be holy, the branches are holy also. Though some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, art graft in among them, and made partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree; boast not thyself against the branches. For if thou boast thyself, remember that thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Thou wilt say then, "The branches are broken off, that I might be graft in." Thou sayest well: because of unbelief they are broken off, and thou standest steadfast in faith. Be not high minded, but fear: seeing that God spared not the natural branches, lest haply he also spare not thee. Behold the kindness and rigorousness of God: on them which fell, rigorousness: but towards thee, kindness; if thou continue in his kindness. Or else thou shalt be hewn off, and they if they bide not still in unbelief shall be grafted in again. For God is of power to graft them in again. For if thou wast cut out of a natural wild olive tree, and wast grafted contrary to nature in a true olive tree: how much more shall the natural branches be graffed in their own olive tree again? I would not that this secret should be hid from you my brethren, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits: that partly blindness is happened in Israel, until the fullness of the gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved. As it is written, "There shall come out of Zion he that doth deliver, and shall turn away the ungodliness of Jacob. And this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins." As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are loved for the fathers' sake. For verily the gifts and calling of God are such, that it cannot repent him of them. For look, as ye in time past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: even so, now, have they not believed the mercy which is happened unto you; that they also may obtain mercy. God hath wrapped all nations in unbelief, that he might have mercy on all.

Even as Abraham "believed God, and it was ascribed to him for righteousness." Understand, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saw aforehand, that God would justify the heathen through faith, and therefore showed beforehand glad tidings unto Abraham: "In thee shall all nations be blessed." read more.
So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. For as many as are under the deeds of the law, are under malediction. For it is written, "Cursed is every man that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to fulfil them." That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident. For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith: but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. But Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us - for it is written, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on tree" - that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the spirit through faith.