Finny argues that “it is not of him who wills nor of him who runs” (Rom 9:16) refers back to “the purpose of God according to election…Him who calls” (Rom 9:11), not to an individual’s salvation status; how does that reinterpret what human willing/effort can and cannot accomplish, and what would early Christians likely assume “running” and “calling” meant in the life of the church?
Another way to ask: If Romans 9:16 is not about individual salvation, what does it say human effort can’t achieve, and what would early Christians think “running” and “calling” meant in church life?
Direct Answer
Finny reads Romans 9:16 as saying human desire and effort cannot derail or force God’s historical purpose—God will accomplish His calling of a people for His promise, despite human unfaithfulness.
Support from Transcript:
He critiques the Calvinist move: because they treat v.15 as unconditional salvation election, “they say…‘the it is salvation.’”
Finny says the “it” actually refers to v.11: “The purpose of God according to election might stand…of Him who calls.”
He paraphrases v.16: Israel was “incredibly unfaithful, but God’s promises are going to be fulfilled despite the frustrations and the thwarting that Israel would provide.”
He keeps the focus corporate: God’s plan is to keep Israel as the people who bring “the oracles of God…the Word of God, and ultimately the Messiah.”
He links “calling” to God’s initiative in history (mercy at Sinai, hardening Pharaoh, later calling Gentiles), not to a private inner experience alone.
The transcript does not spell out what “running” meant in early church life; a reasonable inference from his emphasis is that “running” represents human striving/effort that cannot secure or block God’s covenant-purpose.
Discussion Follow-ups
If “running” can’t make God’s plan fail or succeed, how should that shape our view of ministry effort, evangelism, and perseverance?
