Question:
Do Proverbs 16:4 and Romans 9:15-24 teach that some people cannot be saved?
Answer:
No; God saves character, and He calls every soul to possess a savable character. The first scripture underscores that everything has its place in God’s plan. The wicked will face the day of wrath, but God does not force anyone to be wicked. Take a look at His oath in Ezekiel 33:11.
God intended to glorify His name through Pharaoh’s submission, just as He did through Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus. He raised Pharaoh to the Egyptian throne for that very purpose. However, Pharaoh refused to submit, and as a result, God allowed him to harden his heart. Still, God managed to get glory for Himself despite the king’s stubbornness.
Consider one key phrase in Romans 9:15. To whom does God will to show mercy? “Showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me and keep My commandments” (Exodus 20:6). We expect this. But who else does God intend to extend compassion and mercy to? “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” (Ezekiel 33:11). God isn’t teasing when He says “whosoever” in John 3:16 and Revelation 22:17.
