Armstrongism reads Romans 9:18-21 within its distinctive doctrine of Election and Calling. God has chosen certain nations and individuals for special purposes in fulfilling his plan—a reading influenced by British Israelism. God's sovereign choice is affirmed, but Armstrongists understand election specifically as God's calling of the Church and certain nations (particularly British-descended peoples) to fulfill divinely ordained roles.

This selective application of Romans 9 reflects Armstrongism's claim that only a small group (the 'firstfruits') are called during this age, while the majority will be called to salvation in a future age. God's sovereignty is undeniable, but it operates through chosen vessels and elect nations.