9:19-21 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
9:19-21 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
Once again this has nothing to do with the personal salvation of individuals as some in the church would have us believe. V19 echoes Ro 3:7 and is another of Paul's rhetorical questions that demands no answer (CP V19 with Ro 3:5-8).
Paul presents the viewpoint in Ro 3:5-8 as futile human reasoning that if sin was necessary to magnify His righteousness then God could never condemn sinners. Ro 9:19 is also futile human reasoning on the basis that if God causes it all to happen the way He wants it to happen, then how can He judge sinners. Many people use this argument as a justification for not responding affirmatively to the gospel.
In V20 Paul rebuked the reckless impiety of those who would argue with God for their own ulterior motives (CP V20 with Isa 29:15-16).
In V21 Paul compares a potter who makes pots for various purposes, and determines their use, to God's sovereign use of people like Pharaoh for the purposes of demonstrating His power against evil (CP Ro 9:17).
A vessel unto honour and a vessel unto dishonour in V21 in no way relates to salvation, nor to importance or morality, but to function. The vessels referred to here are inanimate (CP V21 with 2Ti 2:20).
See also comments on Ro 3:5 and 2Ti 2:19-21.