4. Who are Israelites; to whom pertains the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
5. Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
6. Not as though the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel:
7. Neither, because they are the descendants of Abraham, are they all children: but,
8. That is, They who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the descendants.
9. For this is the word of promise,
10. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
11. (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)
12. It was said unto her,
13. As it is written,
14. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15. For he says to Moses,
16. So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.
17. For the scripture says unto Pharaoh,
18. Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.
19. You will say then unto me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?
20. Nay but, O man, who are you that replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?
21. Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?