Israel’s judicially-hardened condition, which confuses the biblical teaching of man’s ability to respond to the gospel.[136] The fulfillment of God’s Word has never depended on the faithfulness of the Israelite people (Rom. 3:1-7). The Potter will accomplish His plan and bring to pass the promise He first made to Abraham even when His elect nation is unfaithful. Notice that this is still a part of the apostle’s response to the question first raised in Romans 9:1-6. If God has entrusted His Word to the Israelites (vv. 4–5) and the Israelites are standing in opposition to His Word (vv. 2–3),
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