Had an interesting talk with a Christian brother of mine at a local pub with some of other of our buddies from our bible study (I was not drinking however). We had talked on many subjects relating to God and marriage, community, etc. One discussion that stuck with me was on predestination. It's one of John Calvin's main tenants and a topic that has been in debate in this Christian world for a long time. I hadn't really heard of some of the scriptural references of this idea until that night. My buddy brought up Romans 8-9, specifically in Romans 9. Calvinists take this passage and postulate that God decides whom is he wants to save and whom is will not be saved, that god predetermines our fate, negating our free will to chose his grace. I pondered the thought and can see where they might come to this conclusion based on the scripture's face value. But all scripture must stand up against its context and other parts of God's word as well.
I decided to ask a former pastor of mine to shed some light on the other side of the debate. He states the passage referring to 'vessels of wrath' and 'vessels of mercy' refer back to Jeremiah 18:1-10. Paul in Romans is responding to the claim from the Jews that they are the 'chosen people', justified by their obedience under the law. But, God is just to blind an already rebellious people (Israel), referring to the potter analogy from Jeremiah, hence 'vessels of wrath'. He is stating to the Romans that they, too, can be 'vessels of mercy'. God is sovereign through Christ Jesus all can be made into righteous vessels, Jews and gentiles alike. Admittedly I am still a little confused about this debate, and would love some feedback. Let me know (from scripture) what you think. God Bless.
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