Israel

Romans 9:6-8 - But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 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.

Romans 2:29 - But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

Genesis 21:12 - But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.

Romans 8:14 - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Application:

·         The true sign of belonging to God is not an outward mark on the physical body, but the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit within—what Paul meant by circumcision of the heart.

·         God promised Abraham that both Isaac and Ishmael would have numerous descendants.

·         Not all are God’s children. People become children of God through faith in God’s unique Son, and being led by God’s Spirit is the hallmark of this relationship.

All Scripture verses taken from ESV