WAGERING OUR SOULS

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For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Romans 9:3‭-‬5 ESV

¶Paul would offer himself as a surrogate for all his Israelite brethren. He would make a wager: his own soul in return for the salvation of His Jewish brethren. But he is also an example. Israel must, we must, wager our souls against any claim of special privilege, and come to God by grace alone, through faith alone. This is the faith by which Israel's patriarchs lived. Abraham was willing to put all God's promises through Isaac on the line to follow Him. This is what Israel has always been asked to do. It's what we are asked to do.

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