After reading Romans 9:22-24 I was struck by what seemed to be an argument for predestined grace. Is this so? Or is Paul speaking rhetorically to show God's sovereign power and not to teach a doctrine of predestination? It is frightening to think that God might have "objects of his wrath -- prepared for destruction," just to show those he shows mercy, the effects of sin, and to highlight the joy of salvation. Is there a nuance of meaning I'm missing here? Or is there something to say for those who argue that we are predestined to be saved or worse lost? -- Java Bradley
This is a very deep subject! May I give a short answer? God predestined that through the Cross those who turned to Christ in repentance and baptism would receive forgiveness (Acts 2:38). The plan was arranged by "God's set purpose and foreknowledge" (Acts 2:22+). He predestined a class of persons (believers) to be saved and he predestined that a class of persons (unbelievers) to be lost. The freewill choice, however, is up to the individual to make.
In Romans 9, Paul is arguing for God's sovereignty and wisdom in electing to graft the non-covenant people (the Gentiles) into the covenant community (the true children of Abraham). Obviously, if our very choices were illusory--if God had given us no free will--then we might indeed with truth complain at the last day "But I was predestined to be lost!" But God does indeed give us the choice. For a much more detailed look at this, you might want to take a look at the section on Calvinism in Till the Nets Are Full (formerly Shining Like Stars).
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