Definition: And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 9:26. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about how God sees people and whether they are truly part of His family. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks to the idea that God doesn’t just accept people as children of Him, but He also has the right to call those who don’t outwardly follow Him “children of the living God.” It’s about recognizing genuine connection with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This phrase sets up a future event – a situation where we’ll see this happening. “…that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people…” : This is the core of the verse. It's referencing a past statement made by Jesus about God’s plan for humanity. Jesus said, “Truly, I say unto you, some are my people, and others are not.” Basically, He was pointing out that some people weren’t genuinely connected to Him or His purpose. “There shall they be called the children of the living God.” : This is where it gets a little more nuanced. "Living God" refers to God's love, compassion, and mercy – qualities that are always present, even when people aren't perfectly obedient or righteous. So, “children of the living God” means those who truly experience God’s love and are part of His family because of that connection. What does it mean in a nutshell? It means God doesn't just look at outward behavior (like obeying laws) but also looks at a deeper, spiritual connection – a sense of being loved and included within His divine plan. He sees those who have chosen to follow His way, even if they haven’t always acted perfectly, as part of His family. Important Context (Briefly): This verse is often discussed in light of the Old Testament story of Cain and Abel. Cain murdered his brother because he didn't acknowledge God’s love. The verse is essentially saying that God sees that cycle – that some people are not fully connected to Him, and that He has the right to call them "children of the living God" as a consequence of their choices. In simpler terms: Imagine you have a really good friend who sometimes makes mistakes. God isn't just happy with your friend; He also sees that there’s a connection – a love – that makes them part of His family, even if they aren’t always perfect. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide an analogy to help understand it better? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger Bible story?