Key Passage Summary (Romans 9:6–18):

1. Children of the promise vs. children of the flesh (vv. 6–9):

   • Paul argues that not all physical descendants of Israel are the true children of God.

   • "Children of the promise" (like Isaac) are those counted as offspring—this is about God’s sovereign choice, not human lineage.

2. Rebecca’s twins – Jacob and Esau (vv. 10–13):

   • Before either was born or had done good or evil, God chose Jacob, not Esau.

   • “Jacob I loved, Esau I hated” reflects God's divine election and purpose, not based on merit but His will.

3. God’s justice in election (vv. 14–18):

   • Paul anticipates objections about fairness. He quotes God’s words to Moses:

     “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”

   • The point: God’s mercy is not earned by human effort but is given according to His sovereign will.

   • Pharaoh is mentioned as an example: God raised him up to demonstrate His power and declare His name.

• This passage emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in salvation—a key point in Reformed theology.

• It underlines that salvation is not about human effort or merit, but God’s mercy and election, even from the womb.

Theological Implication:

• This passage emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in salvation—a key point in Reformed theology.

• It underlines that salvation is not about human effort or merit, but God’s mercy and election, even from the womb.