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Election of the Lesser Son: Paul’s Lament-Midrash in Romans 9–11 is unavailable, but you can change that!

God chooses Israel (salvation “first to the Jew and then the gentile”), but without showing favoritism? Paul genuinely grieves for Israel as one speaking “in” Christ, yet prays to be cursed, cut off from Christ? Romans 9–11 remains one of the most difficult and contested biblical texts in scholarship today. Theological discussions often limit the focus of this passage to God’s sovereignty,...

interesting that this section of Paul’s argument, 9:6–29, concerns a called son who rejected the Father’s call, and the next section, 9:30–10:21, illustrates Israel’s fall, their rejection of the “stone.” The election of Israel, 9:6–13, reveals the heart of God and his desire for humility from his people. Paul’s emphasis on God’s election of the son in the weaker position is central to the meaning and purpose of Romans 9–11 and the rest of the letter. God does not show favoritism
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