Romans 9:19-33
In their daring unbelief, men take the liberty of judging God according to their own standards. "Since eventually He will only do what He has wished to do," some people say, "what can He hold us responsible for?" (v. 19). "Whatever anyone may do," they add, "if he is predestinated, he will be saved sooner or later; if, on the other hand, he is not chosen, all his efforts will not alter his final lot." And, from this false starting point flow other questions such as these: "Is it not unfair to have chosen some rather than others?" "Knowing in advance the fate of the lost, why should they ever have been created?" "How can a God who is good consign His creatures to an eternity of misery?" . . . This chapter teaches us that God has not prepared any vessel to dishonour (or to wrath v. 21). He has on the contrary borne with them – and still bears with them – "with much longsuffering" (v. 22). But it is sinners who prepare themselves relentlessly for eternal perdition.
We can answer to all those who reason thus, "One thing is certain. God has called you, you who have His Word in your hands. He wants to make you also a vessel of mercy. Only your refusal can prevent Him from realising His purpose of love" (read 1 Timothy 2:4).