In our last visit we began looking at what Paul said in Romans 9 about what will not contribute to the faith relationship and righteousness that is found in salvation. We saw that privilege and parentage will not help us. Let me expand a little further on the limitations of relying on parentage. 

 

We see it was through Isaac, not Ishmael that God’s promise would be fulfilled (Romans 9:7-9). Paul goes on to point out that though Esau and Jacob were twins, God made it clear the promise would be fulfilled through Jacob, the younger brother. This was contrary to the tradition of the day where the older would be chosen. 

 

God’s choice was not based on their performance. Listen to verses 11-12, “Before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad – in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls – she (that is, Rebecca) was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’” Jacob was no better than Esau. God didn’t choose him because of performance. 

 

Finally, it is clear that we do not get saved because of our pursuit of it or desire for it. Listen to verse 16: “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” The Israelites “pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the ‘stumbling stone’” (verse 32). 

 

Men and women down through the centuries have sought salvation based on privilege, parentage, performance or pursuit only to find there efforts ended in futility and failure. Don’t be deceived into thinking you’re any different. It won’t work for you either.