Romans 9:10-16

10And not only that, but this too: Rebekah conceived twin sons by one man [under the same circumstances], by our father Isaac;

11and though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything either good or bad, so that God’s purpose [His choice, His election] would stand, not because of works [done by either child], but because of [the plan of] Him who calls them,

12it was said to her, “The older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob).”

13As it is written and forever remains written, “Jacob I loved (chose, protected, blessed), but Esau I hated (held in disregard compared to Jacob).”

14What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Certainly not!

15For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion.”

16So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses—it is His sovereign gift].