Objects of Wrath

What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath – prepared for destruction? (Rom 9:22)

This verse is often taken to mean that God predestines some to destruction – that he created them with the intent to destroy them. But I do not believe that. First of all, Paul says “what if”. He only means to say God has the power and right to do so if he chooses. Second, he speaks of bearing them with great patience. What is the purpose of the patience? To demonstrate his compassion, sure, but also to allow those who would be saved plenty of opportunity to do so. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9) And third, we find in Eph 2:3 that all of us, even the elect, were at one time objects of wrath: “All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” Praise God for his patience and his mercy! Without them no one would be saved, least of all me!