The Church of God (Cleveland) reads Romans 9:18-21 in light of its Arminian theology. While affirming God's sovereignty and power, the Church interprets Paul's discussion of Pharaoh as not teaching unconditional predestination but rather the reality of God's sovereign knowledge and the human response to God's offer of grace.

The Church understands Romans 9 as addressing God's right to include or exclude people from covenant relationship based on His knowledge of their faith response. God hardens those who refuse grace and softens those who respond in faith. This preserves both God's sovereignty (God can do whatever He purposes) and human moral responsibility (genuine choice). Romans 9:18-21 is about God's knowledge and freedom, not about predestining some to damnation.