Chapters 9-11 are some of the most controversial in all of Scripture. Dividing the church between Arminian and Calvinist theology. Dividing the church between man’s free will and God’s sovereign election and grace. But what did Paul have in mind when he wrote these chapters of Romans? Did he use these constructs, or was he after something else? The chapters of 9-11 appear to come out of nowhere. Paul writes Romans 8 reassuring us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Then it seems Israel is not part of the family. Do these promises of assurance not apply to Israel? What does this mean? Is Paul contradicting himself or is he trying to teach us another lesson about how the gospel works? Despite the appearance of much of Israel being outside the family of God, God is up to something. And it includes Israel and all people (Gentiles). How will we respond? How will we see God’s unrelenting mercy and electing grace? What is the point of it all? Is God unjust and choosing people at random in human history, or doing something else?