"AS IT IS WRITTEN"
Why Romans Ch. 9 makes absolutely no sense at all. Exactly! God's thoughts and ways are not like ours. Therefore, all He asks us to do is repent, and forgive others as He forgave us.
Note To My Hometown:
Stop pointing the finger at me and I'll stop having to testify to the accuracy of God's Word concerning you. Both my assignment and your reaction were predetermined long before either this city or me ever existed. It's all already done. Your saving grace was:
Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it."
The real question is this, "How can we blame and punish one another when we're just playing our parts?" Touché. Precisely why we are to simply repent and forgive. You can read Romans Ch. 9 in whatever version you choose. I recommend the Message Bible; it makes things abundantly clear. You may want to especially focus in on v.32 given all the things that your counsel have you DOING.
You sold the cow for a glass of milk.
