What are the two groups within Israel in Romans 9?
Within Israel, two groups exist: those who remain natural and destitute of faith, and those who are spiritual and become believers. The word goes to the whole nation, Jacob, but only the believing element, Israel, responds. Not all children of Israel are spiritual; only a few believe.
Les explains that Jacob marks the dividing line even within Israel, the covenant people of God. Some remain natural and destitute of faith, while others become spiritual and believe. He points to Isaiah 9:8, where the LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it lighted upon Israel. The word went out to the whole nation, Jacob, and they all heard it, but only the believing element, Israel, truly responded. That response was always a small remnant, and it still is today. Les notes that the vast masses can hear and understand the Gospel, but few percentage-wise believe it. Paul in Romans 9 refers to this same truth: not all the children of Israel would be spiritual, only a few.