How does Paul answer the objection that God is unjust to blame the person he hardened?
Paul answers the objection by rebuking human presumption: 'Nay, O man, who art thou that replyest against God?' The creature has no right to argue with the Creator; the thing formed cannot say to the one who formed it, 'Why hast thou made me thus?' God's sovereignty and righteousness are not subject to human faultfinding.
Les explains that verse 18, where God has mercy on whom He will and hardens whom He will, throws a curve and is hard to comprehend. Verse 19 raises the objection: 'Why doth he then find fault? For who hath resisted his will?' Les notes Paul is asking whether God is unjust to blame the one He has placed in that position. Paul answers in verse 20 by rebuking the questioner: 'Nay, O man, who art thou that replyest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?' The creature has no standing to reply against the Creator; God's sovereign purpose and righteousness stand.
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
More Questions
How does Paul answer the objection that God cannot blame anyone who resists his will?
Paul answers the objection by reminding the person that he is only a man replying against God, and that the thing formed cannot ask its maker why it was made that way.