What is the meaning of Romans 9:25? As He says in Hosea Paul anchors his argument in Hosea 2:23, reminding readers that God’s intentions have always been revealed through Scripture. By introducing the quotation with “He says,” Paul presents God Himself as the speaker, underscoring divine authority (Isaiah 55:11). His point is clear: God’s plan for mercy did not arise in the New Testament era; it was foretold long before (Acts 10:43). “I will call them ‘My People’ who are not My people” • In Hosea, Israel’s rebellion led God to declare, “You are not My people” (Hosea 1:9). Yet He immediately promised restoration: “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God’” (Hosea 1:10). • Paul applies that pattern to Gentiles, showing that those once outside the covenant are now welcomed through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13; Galatians 3:7-9). • The phrase underscores God’s sovereign freedom. He decides who belongs to Him, not human lineage or effort (Romans 9:16). • It also affirms permanence: when God calls someone “My People,” the bond is covenantal and unwavering (Jeremiah 31:33). “and I will call her ‘My Beloved’ who is not My beloved,” • Hosea’s marriage to Gomer illustrated Israel’s unfaithfulness, yet God vowed to woo His wayward bride back: “I will allure her… and speak comfort to her” (Hosea 2:14). • Paul seizes on that promise to show the depth of divine affection: God not only restores status (“people”) but also affection (“beloved”). Compare Deuteronomy 7:6-8 where love, not merit, is the basis of election. • For Gentile believers, this declaration means full inclusion in the intimacy of God’s love (1 John 3:1; 1 Peter 2:10). • For Israel, it previews future national restoration when “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26-27), proving God’s love endures even after discipline. summary Romans 9:25 reveals God’s long-promised, sovereign decision to extend covenant identity and covenant love to those once outside—both straying Israel and believing Gentiles. The verse demonstrates that Scripture consistently portrays a God who restores, adopts, and cherishes people purely by His gracious call, fulfilling promises made centuries earlier through Hosea. |
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