God’s Selection Is Just

¹⁴ What should we say then?^(A) Is there injustice with God?^(B) Absolutely not!^{(C) 15} For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.^{[a](D) 16} So then, it does not depend on human will or effort^(E) but on God who shows mercy.^{(F) 17} For the Scripture tells Pharaoh, I raised you up for this reason so that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth.^{[b](G) 18} So then, he has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy and he hardens whom he wants to harden.^(H)

¹⁹ You will say to me,^(I) therefore, “Why then does he still find fault?^(J) For who resists his will?” ^{(K) 20} On the contrary, who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?^(L) Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” ^{(M) 21} Or has the potter no right over the clay,^(N) to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor?