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"For they are not all Israel who are of Israel."

Text: Romans 9:6

ALMOST LIKE SPLITTING HAIRS

To some Paul was attempting to split hairs. To the astute apostle, nothing could be clearer than to distinguish between the false and the true Israelite.

“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect.
For they are not all Israel who are of Israel.”
Romans 9:6

What was Paul trying to say in this particular text?

1. The use of the word “Israel”

a) The Non-theological use of the term to describe the following:-

i) The historical nation.

ii) The people marked by its ethnicity.

iii) A general reference to people who identify themselves by its religious and cultural traditions.

b) Pauline theological system

i) To describe people who possess the faith of Abraham.

ii) To describe people who own Jesus as the Messianic King.

iii) To describe people who believe in the full prophetic word of God.

2. The reference to the Word of God and its effects

a) The word of God was meant to have certain definite effects.

b) It could have either a positive or a negative effect.

c) Those who were truly Israel (God’s children).

i) They will respond positively to the Word of God.

ii) The effects will prove that they are indeed true Israel.

d) Those who were not truly Israel

They are easily discernible. They will prove themselves to be rather the children of the Devil than the children of Abraham (Cf. John 8:39-47)!