We see this again, and repeatedly, in the inspired writings of the apostles.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen. (Romans 9:3-5)
Here, long after our Lord had been rejected and crucified, the promises still pertained to Paul’s brethren, his “countrymen according to the flesh.” The words “according to the flesh” make it absolutely clear that he was not speaking of a spiritual relationship, but instead of a fleshly relationship. This leaves no way to logically avoid the fact that the promises still pertained to the fleshly nation of Israel. That is, to the physical descendants of that ancient nation.
Many imagine that the fact that they have been rejected means that this rejection is permanent. But God has specifically and explicitly stated the very opposite:
"And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' There they shall be called sons of the living God." (Romans 9:26)
The reason for this is clearly stated:
11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger." (Romans 9:11-12)
28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:28-29)
God has made a choice, and that choice is not depending on any act of man. It is His election that will stand. “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” This is expanded in three other New Testament passages.
13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, (Romans 4:13-14)
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." (Hebrews 6:13-14)
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. (Galatians 3:17-18)
This last passage was said specifically about the promise of Christ. But it shows the principle we are discussing, that once God has made a promise, that promise is inviolate. Nothing can change it. Not even rebellion. This is fully developed in the following passage, which, although it is from the Old Testament, clearly states the principle being applied in these last three New Testament passages.
30 "If his sons forsake My law And do not walk in My judgments, 31 If they break My statutes And do not keep My commandments, 32 Then I will punish their transgression with the rod, And their iniquity with stripes. 33 Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him, Nor allow My faithfulness to fail. 34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. (Psalm 89:30-34)
(continued)