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His choice is based on his grace, not on what they have done. For if God's choice were based on what people do, then his grace would not be real grace.

What then? The people of Israel did not find what they were looking for. It was only the small group that God chose who found it; the rest grew deaf to God's call. (A)As the scripture says, “God made their minds and hearts dull; to this very day they cannot see or hear.”

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And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;(A) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain.(B) The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,(C) as it is written:

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,
    eyes that could not see
    and ears that could not hear,(D)
to this very day.”[a](E)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 11:8 Deut. 29:4; Isaiah 29:10

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

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