Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Boasting » Spiritual
And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." read more.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospelnot with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will frustrate." read more.
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to fleshly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong, God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no flesh may boast before God. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to fleshly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong, God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no flesh may boast before God. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, therefore, as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that in us you may learn not to go beyond what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in favor of one against the other. For who regards you as different? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
For we do not dare to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the field God has apportioned to us, a field that reaches even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you; we were the first to come even as far as you with the gospel of Christ. read more.
We do not go beyond limits by boasting in other men's labors, but our hope is that as your faith grows, our sphere among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast of work already done in another man's territory. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
We do not go beyond limits by boasting in other men's labors, but our hope is that as your faith grows, our sphere among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast of work already done in another man's territory. But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Branch » Figurative » Pruning of
If anyone does not abide in me, he is like a branch that is cast away and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned.
Verse Concepts
And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree,
Verse Concepts
For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Verse Concepts
Gentiles/heathen » Salvation coming to the gentiles
The apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us; read more.
and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."
and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."
When they disagreed among themselves, they began to leave, after Paul had made one final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: saying, 'Go to this people and say, "you will be ever hearing, but will never understand; and you will be ever seeing, but will never perceive. For this people's heart has become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and their eyes they have closed; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them."' read more.
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith; but Israel, who pursued the law of righteousness, has not attained that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, read more.
as it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone that will make men stumble, and a rock that will make them fall; and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."
as it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone that will make men stumble, and a rock that will make them fall; and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." read more.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
Even so Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you will all the nations be blessed." read more.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Israel/jews » The salvation of israel
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." read more.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
Justice » Unsparing » The natural branches (the jews)
For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Verse Concepts
Olive » Figurative » The wild, a figure of the gentiles; the cultivated, of the jews
For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree!
Verse Concepts
And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." read more.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
Salvation » Salvation coming to the gentiles
The apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us; read more.
and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."
and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are."
When they disagreed among themselves, they began to leave, after Paul had made one final statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: saying, 'Go to this people and say, "you will be ever hearing, but will never understand; and you will be ever seeing, but will never perceive. For this people's heart has become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and their eyes they have closed; otherwise they might see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them."' read more.
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen."
What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith; but Israel, who pursued the law of righteousness, has not attained that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, read more.
as it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone that will make men stumble, and a rock that will make them fall; and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."
as it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone that will make men stumble, and a rock that will make them fall; and he who believes in him will not be put to shame."
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." read more.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
Even so Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you will all the nations be blessed." read more.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them." Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "He who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree" in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Salvation » The salvation of israel
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Certainly not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? "Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life." read more.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
But what is God's reply to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. And if it is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel did not obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, down to this very day." And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. Let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever." So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? Certainly not! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fullness mean! Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse to jealousy the kinsmen of my flesh and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole lump is holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the rest to share the root of the olive tree, do not boast over the branches. If you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Therefore consider the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not persist in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these natural branches be grafted back into their own olive tree! I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As regards the gospel they are enemies of God, for your sake; but as regards election they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may receive mercy. For God has bound all men over to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all.
Unbelief » The reward for not believing the lord
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So he said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast only by faith. So do not be proud, but stand in awe. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.