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In verse sixteen Paul once again corrects the misconception of salvation through works. The fallacy of gaining salvation by human effort remains as strong as ever- people still think that good deeds are the key to eternal life. By the time they get to try the lock, they will find that their key does not fit. People are so busy trying to reach God that they completely miss the truth that God has already reached down to them. In the next two verses, Paul talks about God’s work in Pharaoh. Paul uses this argument to show salvation was God’s proper work. God’s judgement on Pharoah’s choice to resist God was to confirm that sin and harden his heart. The consequences of Pharoah’s rebellion would be his own punishment.
Romans 9:16-18
16 It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. 17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”[a] 18 Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.