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"…their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:21

God's sovereign choice, "…does not… depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16 This statement seems to emphatically support John Calvin's theology of salvation, essentially asserting the impossibility of knowing one's salvation is accomplished – as no act of repentance, no desire for godly living, no saving experience or act of obedience guarantees forgiveness of sin and admission to heaven. Strict Calvinism holds that it is entirely up to God, who is free to assign us to heaven or hell based exclusively on his will and purpose.

What makes a discussion of this topic so difficult, and one I personally struggle with, is that many aspects of this position are correct – to a point. We can't compel God to save us by living a life God has to recognize and reward; achieving salvation by virtue of our own effort. It is up to God whether he offers his grace or not. But thank God he has, which is the point of the Good News of the Gospel!

In addressing difficulties in theological interpretation, I believe it is imperative to use scripture to explain itself. At times it may appear contradictory; but in using God's word to interpret His will, I have never found it to be anything but complimentary. For instance, Paul insists that the righteousness God accepts and we live most effectively by is that which is achieved by faith. (Romans 1:11) Furthermore, "…it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God – not by works, so that on one can boast." Ephesians 2:8,9 And yet James asks, "What good is it… if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" He then goes on to compare a deedless faith with faithful deeds, challenging, "Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do." He even quotes the same Old Testament scripture used by Paul to prove his contending point (Genesis 15:6); concluding that, "…a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." For, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead," James 2:14–26

Are these positions irreconcilable? Not at all! Paul is merely stating that we can't dictate the terms by which God saves us – which is by grace through faith. However there is an expectation of holiness in our lives as part of our response to that salvation. (Matthew 5:48; 1 Peter 1:15,16; 2 Peter 3:11) "…the obedience that comes from faith." Romans 1:5 ^F1

Scholars have dealt with this debate more competently than I am capable of but I felt compelled to address it as far as I can because of the far-reaching implications it has for our lifestyles and our sense of confidence in our Lord and Savior. I am not claiming to be absolutely right but may have something worth thinking about. John records Jesus saying that God loved the world – the whole of it – so much so that He gave his only son as ransom for it, so that whoever believes in him may be saved; everyone doing so attaining eternal life. (John 3:15,16; Romans 10:13) The key being belief; whoever believes in the son has eternal life, whoever rejects the son, doesn't. (John 3:36, see also John 6:40; John 11:25, Mark 16:16)

So what do we do with Romans 9:1-29? Particularly concerning Pharaoh whom God says, "I raised up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you." And, "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use." (See also John 6:70,17:12 concerning Judas, doomed to destruction) However, I don't believe this indicates a callous, arbitrary streak in God's character; nor does it excuse bad behavior as if it were what we're made for and beyond our control. God may very well make any number of people specifically fulfill a purpose known only to him; as with Job's encounter with Satan, who was given a latitude to work in Job's life – to prove a point and set an example – that I don't personally believe he has given over the rest of us. I rather believe the majority of mankind has the opportunity to respond positively to Christ with confidence in his promise of forgiveness and salvation. Paul assuring us that, "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. (Yet) If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be (or become) an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:20,21 (See also Jeremiah 18:1-10) Pharaoh's rebellion shows interesting signs of sin's progression alongside God's dealing with him that may be overlooked.

In preparing Moses to secure Israel's release from bondage in Egypt, God warned him that, "…I will harden Pharaoh's heart so that he will not let my people go." Exodus 4:21; allowing God to manifest his power in this contest of wills – God receiving the honor and glory when his was accomplished. Yet Exodus 8:15 relates how Pharaoh, upon achieving some relief from the plagues had, "…hardened his heart…" as a natural consequence of his stubborn rebellion against the One True God. Exodus 9:7,12 describe Pharaoh's attitude and heart as being unyielding, saying "…the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart and he would not listen… just as the Lord said." And in a telling sequence, after finally giving his permission for the Israelite's release, he "…and all his officials changed their minds,…" Exodus 14:5, setting out after the Israelites to force their return. (These being a few of the 15 references to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, some indicating a change of mind and a hardening against God's will, some citing God as hardening Pharaoh's heart to accomplish his will. See also Exodus 3:19 & 25) ^F2 Could they be so inter-related as to be virtually the same? As with Judas, was he created for betrayal and destruction or through God's foreknowledge of his actions destined for such? And could this be applied to Jacob and Esau, referenced in Romans 9:13 as well?

Paul referred to the progression of sin as originally expressing itself in an exchange of the truth of God for an accommodating lie, people claiming foolishly to know better than God or his word. (Romans 1:22,25) As a result, God gave them over to shameful lusts, they then receiving the penalty for their action they deserve. (Romans 1:26,27) Since they no longer considered the knowledge of God worthwhile for retaining in their minds or applying to their lifestyle, God further gave them over to a depraved mind. (Romans 1:28) Could this have been the pattern Pharaoh followed? As he refused to listen to reason, hardening his heart against God's word, did God deal with him accordingly – furthering that rebellion in achieving his purpose? More importantly, is that the pattern you're in? Have you been separated form God by the darkening of your understanding as a result of, "…the ignorance that is in (you) due to the hardening of (your) hearts." Are you in danger of, "Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more?" Ephesians 4:18,19

Nevertheless, Paul assures us, "That if you confess with your mouths, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 God chose to do all that was necessary to provide us with salvation, making us his chosen ones – even as he foresaw some would choose to ignore his offer. He elected to save us by grace through his mercy, knowing full well some would refuse the office of Ambassador for Christ. Did God predestine us all for eternity in heaven; a privilege reaching its fulfillment in the sacrifice of his Son, being activated by our response to his call to repentance from sin and fellowship with him? "…he chose us… before the creation of the world… he predestined us...", for adoption into his family according to his will, plan, purpose, pleasure and glory – "…which he has finally given us…" in Christ. Ephesians 1:4,5-11,13

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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