For the gifts and the calling of G.o.d are without... his repenting himself of them; for the promises of G.o.d are unchangeable, nor can he repent of conferring his gifts.
11:30. For as you also in times past did not believe G.o.d, but now have obtained mercy, through their unbelief:
11:31. So these also now have not believed, for your mercy, that they also may obtain mercy.
11:32. For G.o.d hath concluded all in unbelief, that he may have mercy on all.
Concluded all in unbelief... He hath found all nations, both Jews and Gentiles, in unbelief and sin; not by his causing, but by the abuse of their own free will; so that their calling and election is purely owing to his mercy.
11:33. O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of G.o.d! How incomprehensible are his judgments, and how unsearchable his ways!
11:34. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor?
11:35. Or who hath first given to him, and recompense shall be made him?
11:36. For of him, and by him, and in him, are all things: to him be glory for ever. Amen.
Romans Chapter 12
Lessons of Christian virtues.
12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of G.o.d, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto G.o.d, your reasonable service.
12:2. And be not conformed to this world: but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and the acceptable and the perfect will of G.o.d.
12:3. For I say, by the grace that is given me, to all that are among you, not to be more wise than it behoveth to be wise, but to be wise unto sobriety and according as G.o.d hath divided to every one the measure of faith.
12:4. For as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office:
12:5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one members one of another:
12:6. And having different gifts, according to the grace that is given us, either prophecy, to be used according to the rule of faith;
12:7. Or ministry, in ministering; or he that teacheth, in doctrine;
12:8. He that exhorteth, in exhorting; he that giveth, with simplicity; he that ruleth, with carefulness; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
12:9. Let love be without dissimulation. Hating that which is evil, cleaving to that which is good,
12:10. Loving one another with the charity of brotherhood: with honour preventing one another.
12:11. In carefulness not slothful. In spirit fervent. Serving the Lord.
12:12. Rejoicing in hope. Patient in tribulation. Instant in prayer.
12:13. Communicating to the necessities of the saints. Pursuing hospitality.
12:14. Bless them that persecute you: bless, and curse not.
12:15. Rejoice with them that rejoice: weep with them that weep.
12:16. Being of one mind one towards another. Not minding high things, but consenting to the humble. Be not wise in your own conceits.
12:17. To no man rendering evil for evil. Providing good things, not only in the sight of G.o.d but also in the sight of all men.
12:18. If it be possible, as much as is in you, have peace with all men.
12:19. Revenge not yourselves, my dearly beloved; but give place unto wrath, for it is written: Revenge is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.
12:20. But if the enemy be hungry, give him to eat; if he thirst, give him to drink. For, doing this, thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.
12:21. Be not overcome by evil: but overcome evil by good.
Romans Chapter 13
Lessons of obedience to superiors and mutual charity.
13:1. Let every soul be subject to higher powers. For there is no power but from G.o.d: and those that are ordained of G.o.d.
13:2. Therefore, he that resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of G.o.d. And they that resist purchase to themselves d.a.m.nation.
13:3. For princes are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil.
Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good: and thou shalt have praise from the same.
13:4. For he is G.o.d"s minister to thee, for good. But if thou do that which is evil, fear: for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is G.o.d"s minister: an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil.
13:5. Wherefore be subject of necessity: not only for wrath, but also for conscience" sake.
13:6. For therefore also you pay tribute. For they are the ministers of G.o.d, serving unto this purpose.
13:7. Render therefore to all men their dues. Tribute, to whom tribute is due: custom, to whom custom: fear, to whom fear: honour, to whom honour.
13:8. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another. For he that loveth his neighbour hath fulfilled the law.
13:9. For: Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not kill: Thou shalt not steal: Thou shalt not bear false witness: Thou shalt not covet. And if there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
13:10. The love of our neighbour worketh no evil. Love therefore is the fulfilling of the law.
13:11. And that, knowing the season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
13:12. The night is pa.s.sed And the day is at hand. Let us, therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.
13:13. Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy.
13:14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences.
Romans Chapter 14