God's sovereignty and human freedom both preserved; Arminian harmony attempted
The Church of the Nazarene interprets Romans 9:18-21 within Arminian theological framework. God is sovereign and free, but this sovereignty is exercised in a way that preserves human genuine freedom and moral responsibility. The Potter's image (v. 21) indicates God's freedom and power, but not that God predestines individuals to condemnation.
The Nazarene reading emphasizes that God's sovereignty includes God's sovereign decision to create beings with genuine freedom, and to work with that freedom. Romans 9 is understood as addressing specific historical questions about Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles, not as a comprehensive predestinarian theology. God's choice is conditioned on foreknowledge of faith, and this maintains both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the Nazarene Manual
- Nazarene theology of predestination