A true Christian ultimately is judged by the condition of his or her heart and only God can evaluate it. In Romans 9, the argument is made that true descendants of God are not necessarily those in Israel. An authentic follower of God is not determined by race or religion. God points out that true believers are identified as being children of the promise: “they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed” (Romans 9:8). The children of the promise means people who live their lives by faith and through faith in God. Their commitment to faith illustrates their recognition of God as not just a picture on a cross or a carving or ritual, but a recognition of God the Father as a living God (Romans 9:26). People with authentic faith live their lives knowing that God abides with them moment by moment and never departs from them. They are dependent on God for everything. In Romans chapter 9, the example of this type of belief in a vibrant and living God is given in the examples of Abraham and Sarah, and Isaac and Rebecca when God promised them offspring while their wombs were barren. The hope they demonstrated in the eventual fulfillment of these prophecies, was granted to them as faith and thus elevated them as true children of God because they lived out their lives expecting God to deliver on His promises. Jesus Christ is, in essence, a teacher and son of the living God sent to earth to teach all people about living life moment by moment in the bosom of God, in intimate relationship with the Father. Those who do not accept or understand the importance of living a life of faith, eventually stumble over the presence of Jesus Christ who effectively becomes a stumbling block for them (Romans 9:33).
Who Are True Believers?
