Romans 9:14-21

14What can we say—that God is unfair? That’s unthinkable!

15For example, God said to Moses, “I will be kind to anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to.”

16Therefore, God’s choice does not depend on a person’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

17For example, Scripture says to Pharaoh, “I put you here for this reason: to demonstrate my power through you and to spread my name throughout the earth.”

18Therefore, if God wants to be kind to anyone, he will be. If he wants to make someone stubborn, he will.

19You may ask me, “Why does God still find fault with anyone? Who can resist whatever God wants to do?”

20Who do you think you are to talk back to God like that? Can an object that was made say to its maker, “Why did you make me like this?”

21A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay.