Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shews mercy.
Some persons become perplexed about the passage above, in which it might seem to show that freedom of one’s choice is manipulated by God to serve His own purposes. A misunderstanding of the passage has led some persons to conclude “What’s the point in trying, if God will override our choices anyway?”
And because of this incorrect conclusion, some have thrown in the towel before they have even started, and others have adopted the attitude: “Whatever will be, will be” Thus, instead of studying line upon line and precept upon precept, to know the truth in the matter some individuals have given up on God, and the salvation Christ purchased, in exchange for the attitude often harbored, “Why bother?”
Now, while it is true that in His capacity as Creator, God retains the right, and the prerogative to force persons into a certain course of action against their will, this is not the case in most instances. We are free moral agents with the freedom to choose given us by God Himself, and as such we are the arbiters of our own destiny.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!