Romans 9:14

“What shall we say then? etc..] A form of expression the apostle frequently uses, when he is about to introduce an objection, as is what follows: is there unrighteousness with God? This is not an objection of his own, but of an adversary, which he takes up and returns an answer to; and which itself greatly serves to settle and confirm the true sense and meaning of the apostle in this place; as that it could not be, that election and rejection of men should proceed according to their merits; or that God chooses some for their good works, and rejects others for their wicked works, because no man could ever pretend to charge God with unrighteousness on this account; nor could it be that God…”

“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid--This is the first of two objections to the foregoing doctrine, that God chooses one and rejects another, not on account of their works, but purely in the exercise of His own good pleasure: "This doctrine is inconsistent with the justice of God." The answer to this objection extends to Rom 9:19, where we have the second objection.”

“What shall we say then? - What conclusion shall we draw from these acknowledged facts, and from these positive declarations of Scripture. Is there unrighteousness with God? - Does God do injustice or wrong? This charge has often been brought against the doctrine here advanced. But this charge the apostle strongly repels. He meets it by further showing that it is the doctrine explicitly taught in the Old Testament Romans 9:15, Romans 9:17, and that it is founded on the principles of equity, and on just views of the sovereignty of God; Romans 9:19-23. God forbid - Note, Romans 3:4. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Is there injustice with God - Is it unjust in God to give Jacob the blessing rather than Esau? or to accept believers, and them only. God forbid - In no wise. This is well consistent with justice; for he has a right to fix the terms on which he will show mercy, according to his declaration to Moses, petitioning for all the people, after they had committed idolatry with the golden calf. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy - According to the terms I myself have fixed. And I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion - Namely, on those only who submit to my terms, who accept of it in the way that I have appointed. Romans 9:15”

“9:14-16 God’s choice is not unfair because he owes nothing to his sinful creatures (see study note on 4:4-5).”

“shall: Rom 3:1, Rom 3:5 Is there unrighteousness: Rom 2:5, Rom 3:5, Rom 3:6; Gen 18:25; Deu 32:4; Ch2 19:7; Job 8:3, Job 34:10-12, Job 34:18, Job 34:19; Job 35:2; Psa 92:15, Psa 145:17; Jer 12:1; Rev 15:3, Rev 15:4, Rev 16:7 Romans 9:15”