Romans 9:14-16 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.
God’s sovereignty and holy justice shine forth in these verses. God has a plan and that plan will be carried out because God is all powerful. Paul’s point appears to be that God will chose whomever he desires in his infinite wisdom to carry out his plans for humanity. We cannot even begin to work out the details of history and how all things will work out for our good according to God’s sovereign plan. These verses do not mean that God does not grant humanity a choice. The ability to choose our path is required for a relationship of love. God also has the power to direct human history. God may choose any person or group to be the instruments of this plan. Individuals within this plan may choose to cooperate or to reject God. Rejecting God’s plan will cut one off from participating further. Those Jews who choose not to believe in Jesus as the Messiah cut themselves off from participating in this plan. God will still carry out his plan in spite of those who could be participants in it but reject it. God will choose others and give others the opportunity. In the broad context, God uses Gentiles to bring the message of the gospel to the world because the Jews have rejected the plan. God desires that no one perish but allows people to choose to accept in faith the plan. Yet, the plan and promises will be carried out. This is a mystery that many groups have debated for centuries. God is both sovereign and loving, all-powerful and all-loving.
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