Topics

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

Scripture Interpretation

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).

Key scriptures: Romans 9:18-21, Romans 9:6-13

Affirms21
Denies3
Nuanced45
Varies6

Catholic (5)

Orthodox (5)

Mainline Protestant (8)

Evangelical (15)

Baptist (Southern Baptist Convention)

Varies

God's sovereignty affirmed; Baptist views on election range from Calvinist to Arminian

Calvary Chapel

Varies

God is sovereign; all are responsible; plain reading of Paul's argument

Christian & Missionary Alliance

Nuanced

God's sovereignty and human choice coexist; prevenient grace enables freedom

Christian Reformed Church in North America

Affirms

God's election is sovereign, unconditional, particular; from eternity

Church of the Nazarene

Nuanced

God's sovereignty and human freedom both preserved; Arminian harmony attempted

Evangelical Covenant Church

Nuanced

God's sovereignty in election affirmed; but balanced with human responsibility and free will

Evangelical Free Church of America

Nuanced

God's sovereignty in salvation affirmed; human freedom and responsibility also maintained

IFCA International (Independent Fundamental Churches of America)

Affirms

God's election and human responsibility both affirmed; tension maintained

National Association of Free Will Baptists

Nuanced

God's foreknowledge and choice; human free will and responsibility are real

Non-denominational Evangelical

Varies

Spectrum from Calvinist predestination to Arminian free will; both widely held

Pentecostal (Assemblies of God)

Affirms

God's sovereignty over creation and salvation affirmed; election biblically sound

Presbyterian Church in America

Affirms

God's sovereignty and election affirmed; Romans 9 teaches predestination

Reformed Baptist Churches (1689 London Baptist Confession)

Affirms

Gods unconditional election; vessels for honor prepared

The Wesleyan Church

Denies

Denies Calvinist predestination; God's election conditional on foreseen faith; prevenient grace enables choice

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Nuanced

God sovereignly elects; humans cause own rejection

Charismatic (5)

Anabaptist (5)

Adventist & Restorationist (5)

Other Protestant (8)

Non-Trinitarian (6)

Latter-day Saint (2)

Unique & Independent (7)

African Independent (4)