This chapter shifts focus from Paul’s arguments about sin, salvation, justification, adoption, and glorification to God’s fulfillment of His promises. Here, we see the deep-rooted understanding of the communal aspect of Judaism, where a people group truly held their identity as one. Consider Isaiah; when he was taken into the heavens and confronted by the presence of God, he stated, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5).

Isaiah identified himself with his people, acknowledging his uncleanness alongside theirs. He was sober about his own state and the state of his people. Similarly, Paul does the same; he identifies with his people because he is a Jew and loves those whom God has chosen to receive adoption as a people, the glory, the covenants, the law, and worship. The Jews have a rich heritage. Paul goes so far as to say that for the sake of his brothers, he would be accursed if they could be saved, demonstrating his profound love for his people. However, he also makes it clear that it is not up to him.

In this passage, Paul emphasizes that our salvation and adoption into the family of God are not based on family pedigree or heritage. He has already made this point clear in the previous eight chapters, but now he is reinforcing and it might not be acceptable to the Jewish readers. Essentially, he is saying that while your family may have built this church, and your father was a pastor or your mother served in ministry, little Johnny does not receive a “get into heaven free” card based on his familial ties.

Paul distinguishes that salvation and adoption are not about earthly family connections but rather about the ties that bind us to heaven. A similar argument is made in the book of John: “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:9-13; see also John 3:5-8).

This concept is a mystery but fulfills the promise given to Abraham (Genesis 12:3), that all nations will be blessed through him. God chose a people, Israel, to carry His Word and worship to the world. However, not all Israel is Israel (Romans 9:6-7). In other words, it is not your connection to a family, church, or any affiliation that makes you a child of the promise, but rather a matter of the heart changed by God.

Father God, thank you for giving us Your Word and preserving it. Thank you for sending Your Son, the Word made flesh. Thank you for saving us.