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speratus said:

Again, you are going beyond the scriptures to construct a doctrine that does not exist. Romans 9:21 says God has the authority from one lump to make one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor. Isolated from other verses, there is nothing here that says that God makes a vessel of honor or a vessel of dishonor. Romans 9:21 is not a proof text for predestination of election or reprobation. Your other reference texts are proof texts for election not reprobation.

Why would Paul make this teleological defense if God did not reprobate some? He's been arguing exactly that God has reprobated some, leaving them in their sins: Ishmael, Esau, and Pharaoh. Whereas He has elected some to save from their sins: Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. In response to the indignant man who cries out, "Why doth He yet find fault? for who hath resisted His will?" Paul makes clear that it is God's prerogative to do as He pleases, preparing some vessels for destruction and some for glory, all with the purpose of showing forth His own glory. This argument makes no sense if it is a mere hypothetical, especially since Paul goes on to show how this is a fulfillment of prophecy!

Kyle

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified.