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To The Dividing Elect Know ye not that the Lord despises people that sows discord among brothers? He hardens who he will harden and has mercy on whom he will have mercy. But did not Paul write plainly that all of Israel will be saved? What does it mean to be hardened? Of the people in Israel: “As it is written in the Scriptures: “God gave the people a dull mind so they could not understand.” Isaiah 29:10 “God closed their eyes so they could not see, and God closed their ears so they could not hear. This continues until today.” Deuteronomy 29:4” Romans 11:8 ICB It also explains, “But before the two boys were born, God told Rebekah, “The older will serve the younger.” This was before the boys had done anything good or bad. God said this before they were born so that the one chosen would be chosen because of God’s own plan. He was chosen because he was the one God wanted to call, not because of anything he did. As the Scripture says, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.” So what should we say about this? Is God unfair? In no way. God said to Moses, “I will show kindness to anyone I want to show kindness. I will show mercy to anyone I want to show mercy.” So God will choose the one he decides to show mercy to. And his choice does not depend on what people want or try to do. The Scripture says to the king of Egypt: “I made you king so I might show my power in you. In this way my name will be talked about in all the earth.” So God shows mercy where he wants to show mercy. And he makes stubborn the people he wants to make stubborn.” Romans 9:11-18 So here is the question: Does God harden without a purpose? You have no reason to brag. Why? You do not give life to the root. The root gives life to you. You will say, “Branches were broken off so that I could be joined to their tree.” That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe. And you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Do not be proud, but be afraid. If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, then he will not let you stay if you don’t believe.” Romans 11:18-21 ICB “God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So always do these things: Show mercy to others; be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you. Do all these things; but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 ICB So to those that have not been grafted in yet due to the hardening of hearts, are you forgiving and showing mercy as the Lord forgave you? Or are you taking pride in division having been nominated to a special status based on the rules of men. Can these bones live? “For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”” Romans 11:32-35 ESV What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?