Romans 9:18-21 — "God's Sovereign Choice"

Whether Paul's potter-and-clay metaphor teaches unconditional individual election to salvation (Calvinist reading) or God's sovereign freedom in salvation history (Arminian/corporate reading).

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Overall consensus60/100

New Apostolic Church

New Apostolic Church

Unique & Independent

Nuanced

God's sovereignty and human faith both essential; synergistic soteriology

The NAC affirms Romans 9:18-21 as teaching God's sovereign choice, but understands it synergistically: God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility or the necessity of faith and sacraments. The passage addresses Israel's corporate election and hardening, not individual predestination to damnation.

The NAC avoids rigid Calvinist determinism while affirming divine sovereignty. Human salvation requires faith, baptism, and Holy Sealing, indicating genuine human participation in redemption.

Key Distinctions

Divine sovereignty:
divine choice; corporate election
Human freedom:
faith and sacramental participation
Election type:
corporate focus

Scripture References

Sources

  • NAC Statement of Faith
  • Neo-Apostolic Church Official Theology