“And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.”
(Romans 9:26)
Romans 9:26 is a beautiful demonstration of God’s mercy, love, and grace in action, “And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.” How fully this verse reflects the Father’s desire to take those who were once alienated and place them in His family; to rescue them from a place of abandonment, rejection, and despair and bring them into a place of belonging.
This promise of belonging, of being called the children of God, is extended to all who believe in Christ. In truth, the Gospel opens the door for all people to be brought into God’s covenant of grace where they are loved, accepted, and given new life.
His covenant of grace also reflects the Father’s desire to welcome us into a personal relationship with Him that surpasses any former understanding and experience of love or covenant because the intimate and enduring covenant between God and His people is grounded in His boundless love, mercy, and faithfulness. It is akin to a divine betrothal representing a deep and lasting union where He promises to bring us to Himself, even those who were once far away.[1]
Romans 9 further elaborates on how God’s love transcends our failures. The Jewish people, despite their idolatry and rebellion, were still within the reach of His promise. In the same way, God extends His sovereign grace to all people, both Jew and Gentile, calling them to repentance and promising restoration. He promises not only to welcome His people but also to transform them by giving them new hearts and taking away their sins.
The ultimate end of God’s covenant of love is to establish and grow a relationship between Himself and His people that yields eternal benefits—righteousness, faith, and justification through Christ. This truth is evident throughout Romans 9 as Paul likens the promise of betrothal to salvation through faith. The true fulfillment of His promise is found in the work of Jesus, who brings reconciliation and adopts us as children of the living God.
For believers today, Romans 9:26 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Even when we feel distant, even when we struggle with sin, God’s promises do not waver. His love is constant, and His commitment to us is sure. We may have once been “not a people,” but through Christ, we are now “the children of the living God.”
Contemplations:
- God’s Unwavering Faithfulness. As I reflect on Romans 9:26, I am reminded of the faithfulness of God, who calls me His child even when I feel unworthy. There have been seasons of my life when I have felt far from God—times of discouragement, doubt, or spiritual dryness—yet His covenant promise never changes. He declares over me, “You are my people,” even when my heart falters or when my obedience weakens. This truth teaches me that God’s faithfulness is not rooted in my performance but in His eternal promise. I can rest knowing that His love is steadfast, deeper than my failures, and unshaken by my weaknesses.
- The Grace of Being Chosen. The idea that God would choose me, despite my sin, failures, and the rebellion that once marked my life, humbles me deeply. Romans 9:26 reminds me that I was once outside the covenant, far from the hope of God, yet He drew me near purely because of His mercy. When I meditate on this truth, I am moved to gratitude, understanding that belonging to God is not something I earned—it is something I was given. His grace becomes sweeter when I remember where I came from and what I have been brought into by His sovereign love.
- A Covenant of Peace. God’s covenant does not offer only spiritual transformation, it also offers peace—an inner rest that cannot be shaken by earthly trials. Though life may bring uncertainty, suffering, or fear, I am reminded that the God who has claimed me as His own also promises to keep me. Because I am His child, I can face affliction with confidence. I find strength in knowing that God’s promise of peace flows from His unchanging love, and this assurance helps me persevere with calmness of spirit and steadiness of heart.
- The Universal Call of God’s Love. Romans 9:26 shows that God’s love reaches far beyond Israel to embrace people from every nation, background, and condition. His call is not restricted by human divisions or limitations; it extends to the least likely, the most broken, and the most distant. This encourages me as I reflect on those I know who seem far from God. No one is beyond the reach of His mercy. His desire to call people His own inspires me to pray for others, to share Christ boldly, and to trust that God is still gathering a people for His name from all corners of the earth.
Prayer (Thanksgiving):
O Lord my God, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the grace that has called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. I thank You that where it was once said of me, “You are not My people,” You have now declared, “You are a child of the living God.” Your mercy has reached me, Your grace has embraced me, and Your love has given me a place in Your family. I praise You for choosing me before I ever sought You, for loving me when I was unlovable, and for drawing me near when I was far from You.
I thank You, Father, for the covenant of grace that binds me to You in a relationship that cannot be broken. You have brought me into a love that is steadfast, eternal, and deeper than anything this world can offer. You have given me a new identity—not based on my failures, my past, or my weaknesses, but grounded in Christ, who has made me Your own. I thank You for the privilege of being called Your child, for the assurance that I belong to You, and for the comfort that Your promises stand firm regardless of my circumstances.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the redemption You purchased with Your own blood. You are the reason I stand accepted before the Father. Through Your sacrifice, I have been reconciled, restored, and adopted. I praise You for bearing my sins, for giving me Your righteousness, and for making me an heir of God’s promises. Your love has changed my life, and Your grace continually upholds me.
Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling within me, sealing me for the day of redemption and assuring my heart that I truly belong to God. You comfort my soul when I am troubled, strengthen me in my weakness, and guide me into truth. I praise You for producing within me the fruits of grace, for giving me new desires, and for teaching me to cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Lord, thank You that Your love is not limited to one people but extended to every nation, tribe, and tongue. I praise You for the countless souls You are gathering into Your kingdom, fulfilling Your promise to make a people for Yourself where once there were none. I thank You that no one is beyond Your reach and that Your grace continues to call sinners home.
May my heart overflow with gratitude every day for the privilege of belonging to You. Let thanksgiving shape my prayers, my thoughts, and my conduct. May I live joyfully and confidently, knowing that I am Yours and that nothing can separate me from Your love in Christ Jesus.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture for Romans 9:26:
Hosea 1:10; Matthew 16:16; John 11:52; Romans 8:14; Galatians 3:26.
[1] John Owen, The Doctrine of the Saints Perseverance, (London: Leon. Lichfield .., 1654), 147.
