the earth.’ So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. (Rom. 9:14–18) The objection Paul identifies is that God’s choice to show mercy to some and not others conflicts with the dictates of justice. While some question whether the standard of justice that gives rise to this objection is a common notion of impartiality or a particular view of God’s faithfulness to the promises He makes to His people Israel, Paul’s answer is clear:13 God is free to have mercy upon