Understand- Romans 9

Hey there!
Today for class, we looked at Romans 9- a confusing passage if we are being honest. In this passage we are told that before anyone was born or had done anything good or bad—God had already elected those who would be saved. And then continuing the passage, "[he] will have mercy on who [He has] mercy, and [He] will have compassion on whom [he has]  compassion.

I agree to an extent- I do believe that God is all powerful and knowing, but I also think that in a way He limits himself. I think He may know the final destination of our lives, but He may also change His mind. Meaning that He has granted us free will, correct? Free will to chose whether or not we follow Him. I think that He is aware of our hearts and attitudes as well as intentions. However, in my opinion, I believe that God cant see the details of our journey- he leaves that part up to us (because then would be the point of free will?!?) We decide how we get to our destination. Plus John 3.16 tells us that ALL who believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. So...if this verse was made for all of us, we all have the opputuinity to chose, therefore, I don't think there are only specific people chosen. What would be the point of living if we knew that we didn't mean anything to Him and if our faith wasn't based on on human desire  to follow him or on our effort, what would it be based on? Again, in my opinion, God is just- we have been taught that our whole lives. So if God is just, He wouldn't just choose SOME  to show mercy to but ALL should receive mercy. Here is why I am thinking this, Jesus came to die on the cross for sinners- everyone. That right there is already showing mercy- we don't deserve second chances, but still He came to save us.   The verse doesn't say He came for "some, no it says "whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Therefore, Heaven does not have a boundary of how many people can enter and I don't think certain people are chosen, I think all who believe receive His glory and a spot in Heaven.

So thanks for visiting and please don't be offended if you disagree, this is just me trying to work out the meaning of this verse. Leave a comment about what you think below and see you for my next blog!