Romans 9:9-21

9For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” Gen. 18:10,14 10Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. 11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: 12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Gen. 25:23

13Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Mal. 1:2,3 14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!

15For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Exodus 33:19 16It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Exodus 9:16

18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. 19One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” Isaiah 29:16; 45:9

21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?