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From: sjb@hpfcrj.UUCP (Stuart Bobb)
Newsgroups: mod.religion.christian
Subject: Who can resist God's will?
Message-ID: <6815@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU>
Date: Thu, 6-Nov-86 04:45:57 EST
Article-I.D.: topaz.6815
Posted: Thu Nov  6 04:45:57 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 6-Nov-86 21:58:32 EST
Sender: hedrick@topaz.RUTGERS.EDU
Organization: Hewlett-Packard
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Approved: christian@topaz.UUCP


		I would be very interested in hearing various interpretations
	from net readers in regards to a passage in Romans 9:14-21.
	It deals with the concept of God's favor being given to some, but not
	to others.  A central theme in the passage would be verse 18 which 
	says (Today's English Version) "So then, God has mercy on anyone he 
	wishes, and he makes stubborn anyone he wishes"
	
		Taken at a literal value, I find this to be a very disturbing
	passage.  The obvious question arises in v 19 "... If this is so, how
	can God find fault with anyone?  Who can resist God's will?".  Paul
	responds with an analogy about clay pots questioning their creator.
	 
		I have trouble with his analogy, for people are of far 
	greater value in God's eyes than clay pots are in ours.  (At least
	I believe this to be the case).  Furthermore, the maker of a clay
	pot would hardly consider a spittoon cursed because it is not a
	flower vase.

		In considering this, avoid giving "off-the-cuff" answers
	or simple platitudes.  I am very much aware of Romans 11:33 as
	a typical response to this passage. "How great are God's riches!
	How deep are his wisdom and knowledge!  Who can explain his 
	decisions?  Who can understand his ways?"

		The central question I have is not so much a question 
	of God, but a question as to why Paul considers his clay pot
	analogy to be a sufficient answer.

Stuart Bobb
ihnp4!hpfcla!sjb

	My employer is in the business of marketing computers and 
other precision instruments, not opinions.  I should not be considered
an official source of the latter for Hewlett-Packard.