"CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE!"

Romans 9:6-13                          (ESV)

"6 But it is not as though the word of GOD has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,

7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."

8 This means that it is NOT the "children of the flesh" who are the children of GOD, but the "CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE" are counted as offspring.

9 For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son."

10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac,

11 though they were not yet born AND HAD DONE NOTHING EITHER GOOD OR BAD-in order that GOD's purpose of election might continue, NOT BECAUSE OF WORKS but because of HIM who calls-

12 she was told, "The older will serve the younger."

13 As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." 

There are MANY things I don't yet "grasp" about the things of GOD.  I examine many versions of scripture, not so I can find "one I like", rather to see if one better REVEALS what GOD is trying to get across to this unlearned mortal.  Deuteronomy 29:29 in the New Living Translation says "The LORD our GOD has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that HE has REVEALED to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions."  

GOD is more than capable of getting our attention (Exodus 15:26)!  HE spoke to Moses in a burning bush.  HE got my attention about slowing down and listening for HIS guidance with Psalms 46:10.  HE got Pharaoh's attention at the bottom of the Red Sea in Exodus 14!  There are many things of GOD we aren't aware of (1 Corinthians 13:12), but one thing I am certain of is that the "CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE" will INHERIT the Kingdom of GOD (Mark 10:15)!  When a child INHERITS a reward it is simply because of WHO they we born to (JESUS), not because of anything they had done or had the potential of becoming?  

The Pharaoh of Egypt during the book of Exodus had his heart "hardened" by the LORD scripture records at least 10 times.  Why didn't GOD "soften" his heart and prevent the annihilation of the Egyptians in the Red Sea?  Why would a "loving" GOD sentence so many to death and destruction?  

GOD is a "loving" GOD, and HE loved us SO much HE sent HIS SON as a payment for our sins (John 3:16).  But GOD is also a HOLY GOD (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16) and HE can't fellowship with unholy lifestyles.  In reality, those who CHOOSE to live in sin CHOOSE to be separated from GOD.  The "CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE" aren't special or holier than any others, they are simply BORN AGAIN (John 3:3; John 3:7)!  Don't get mesmerized by the "words" used by the enemy.  "Spiritual" children are TOTALLY different from "physical" children.  Spiritual children are "CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE" and being a Spiritual child has EVERLASTING benefits!