The Zion Christian Church takes a nuanced position on Romans 9:18-21, understanding God's election and hardening within an African Independent Church framework that emphasizes the Spirit's active guidance through leadership and communal response. God has the sovereign right to choose; this choice is manifested in God's establishment of the Church and His extension of healing and blessing to those who respond in faith.

In ZCC theology, God's hardening may be understood as the Spirit's withdrawal of influence from those who persistently reject the Church's message or refuse participation in communal worship and healing practices. Conversely, God's mercy and election come to those who respond to the Gospel, submit to church leadership, and participate in the community's spiritual life.

The ZCC's understanding reflects an African Independent emphasis on communal discernment of God's will through leadership and the Holy Spirit. Election is not atomistic (individual choice alone) but communal — God chooses and sustains the Church, and individuals find their election within the community's response to God's Spirit.