In the previous chapter, Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ:

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35, 38–39

Yet in chapter 9, out of love for his brethren, Paul expresses a willingness to be accursed and cut off from Christ for their sake:

“For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh.”
Romans 9:3

As God’s chosen people, the Israelites had received great privileges:

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?”
Deuteronomy 4:7–8

“...who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises.”
Romans 9:4

However, in their pride, many Israelites rejected and despised God’s calling. But their rejection does not mean that the word of God has failed. Not all who are descended from Israel are truly Israel. Rather, it is those whom God has elected who are His children.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s sovereign election: how Isaac was chosen instead of Ishmael (Galatians 4:22–23; Romans 9:7–9), how Jacob was called instead of Esau, the firstborn, and ultimately how God calls not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.

Some of us today may wonder: How then can we become His people and receive His mercy? Let us remember that God delights in our obedience to Him. The Bible reveals His commandments clearly: to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), to partake in His Holy Communion (John 6:53–58), to keep the Sabbath holy (Isaiah 58:13–14), and to keep all His commandments.

This list is by no means exhaustive—other important teachings include receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 8:17) and the practice of footwashing (John 13:14–15), among others. As we grow in faith, we must continue seeking His will through Scripture and be diligent in observing all that He commands.

Furthermore, having become part of His people, let us remain vigilant and humble, lest we fall:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12