And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” – Romans 9:10-13
As Paul continues his argument in Romans 9, he anticipates the objections that might arise. Some might say, “We are descendants of Abraham through Isaac—surely that guarantees our place in God’s promises.” But Paul, ever the masterful teacher, brings in the story of Rebecca, who bore twins—Jacob and Esau—through Isaac. These boys shared the same parents, the same lineage, and yet God chose one and not the other. “For the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand…” (Romans 9:11). Paul’s point is clear: salvation is not about heritage, but about God’s sovereign call. Just as Esau became the father of the Edomites—enemies of Israel—so not all who descend from Abraham are heirs of the promise.
God’s choice of Jacob over Esau wasn’t based on merit, behavior, or potential. It was rooted in His divine plan. Paul quotes Genesis 25:23, “The older shall serve the younger,” and later Malachi 1:2–3, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” This wasn’t emotional hatred—it was a declaration of divine judgment. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The real mystery is not that God hated Esau, but that He loved Jacob.” That’s the heart of grace. God’s love is not earned—it’s given. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew, trading the line of Messiah for a moment of satisfaction. Hebrews 12:16 calls him “profane,” and verse 17 says he was rejected, “for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” He didn’t mourn the loss of spiritual inheritance—he mourned the loss of perks.
Paul’s message is not just for Israel—it’s for the church. Just as not all Israel is Israel, not all the church is the church. There’s a visible church—those who attend, serve, and participate—and there’s an invisible church—those who are truly born again. You can have your name on a church roll and still be lost. Salvation doesn’t come through obedience, tradition, or good works. It comes through Christ alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). The only way to be part of the true church is to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. As A.W. Tozer warned, “Forgiveness without any turning from sin is a great error… and has helped to fill hell with deceived souls.”
So here’s the call: examine your heart. Are you trusting in your background, your church attendance, your good deeds? Or are you trusting in Christ alone? God’s promises are fulfilled in Messiah, and those who believe by faith—like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—are the true heirs. Don’t settle for proximity to truth—embrace it. Don’t trade your birthright for temporary comfort. Come to Christ, not as a descendant, but as a disciple. Let your faith be real, your repentance sincere, and your salvation secure—not by works, but by grace.
“God’s decree is the very pillar and basis on which the saint’s perseverance depends. That decree ties the knot of adoption so fast, that neither sin, death, nor hell can break it asunder.” – Thomas Watson
surrendered devotions 