Today we discussed a section of Romans 9 often used to support a theology called “predestination.” This erroneous theology applies Paul’s words to support the idea that God has chosen some for heaven and others for hell. That approach creates an exclusive club among those who believe they have been chosen to be saved. But in reviewing the context of Romans 9, we see that Paul is doing the exact opposite, creating an inclusive community of people from all nations, tribes, and tongues. In fact, in Romans 9, Paul is shaming those among the Jews who were so bold as to question God’s plan to save the Gentiles. We concluded by discussing the similarities between Romans 9 and other familiar stories like that of Jonah and the parable of the Prodigal Son.