Romans 9:19-20
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Paul wrote in Romans 9 that we are saved when God elects us (v.11). This is a paradox to which our finite minds struggle to find an answer. To many in Rome, the gospel must have seemed like bad news if good people are not saved. But Jesus said it best, “No one is good except God alone.” (Mark 10:18) We all deserve condemnation but God elects some for salvation. He chose the deceiver Jacob over his older brother Esau to be the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. It seems unfair.
Many strong believers struggle with God choosing some and not others to be his adopted sons and daughters. Read Romans 9 carefully as the inerrant word of God and it will become clearer. There is still mystery. We are still responsible for our sin. If not, God would be unjust to condemn sinners. To some, he grants new life. This is why Paul wrote these words above. The finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite, nor can we criticize it. This should not be a stumbling block. It is because he is infinite that we have any hope at all! He sent the sinless Jesus to be the sacrifice for sinful people because he so loved the world he created. A cruel God would not make such a sacrifice.
If Romans 9 seems unfair, consider the treatment you deserve. Then praise God for his infinite mercy!