Romans 9:18 (KJV) Mercy and Compassion On Those That Believe

Romans 9:18 (KJV)
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.

This is, in my view, the most challenging verse in Romans chapter nine. Does it really mean that God hardens some to be vessels of wrath?

Consider the context. The chapter does not, in fact, ever speak of God’s election of wrath against anyone but instead His election of compassion for someone. The chapter specifically addresses the plan of God for eternity and how He would accomplish it.

• It was through Abraham 
• It was through Isaac
• It was through Jacob

God wasn’t

• Anti Gentiles
• Anti Ishmael 
• Anti Esau

He was pro-Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in so far as the plan He would take to bring about the promised Saviour.

• Did he harden Ishmael?
• Did he harden Esau?

No more than He hardened the Gentiles. Each person, each nation and each people group has the same opportunity to believe and not be ashamed and to not believe and stumble.

Even Israel, that nation elected of God to bring into this world the Saviour, was presented this opportunity. They are not automatically saved because they are the elect. Election wasn’t about salvation but the plan of God for salvation.

God has determined to have mercy and compassion on those that believe and to harden for judgment those who do not.

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Romans 9:18 (KJV) Mercy and Compassion On Those That Believe

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