Originally posted by tabibito
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This verse does NOT contradict all the other verses which show the requirement for a person to repent (active verb - the person himself does it).
This verse sits alongside those other verses, and is part of the broader picture of God's sovereignty. Most evident in this matter, is God's dealing with the pharaoh of Moses time, where pharaoh hardens his own heart often enough for God (to say "enough" and withhold the opportunity for the pharaoh to repent and) to harden the pharaoh's heart.
"So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.
You will say to me then, 'Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will?' " (Rom. 9:18-19)
The answer to this question is "no one!". No mention is made of Pharaoh hardening his heart, "He hardens whom He desires."
Will means "desire", it doesn't mean "decision."
" So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Isa. 55:11)
The inference is that the LORD will have mercy on ANY that repent.
Blessings,
Lee
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