Add parallel Print Page Options

And if God chose them by grace, then it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God’s people by what they did, then God’s gift of grace would not really be a gift.

So this is what has happened: The people of Israel tried to be right with God. But they did not succeed. But the ones God chose did become right with him. The others became hard and refused to listen to God. As it is written in the Scriptures:

“God gave the people a dull mind so they could not understand.” Isaiah 29:10
“God closed their eyes so they could not see,
    and God closed their ears so they could not hear.
    This continues until today.” Deuteronomy 29:4

Read full chapter

And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;(A) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.(B) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,(C) as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
    eyes that could not see
    and ears that could not hear,(D)
to this very day.”[a](E)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Romans 11:8 Deut. 29:4; Isaiah 29:10