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By Hank Walker | Pastor at Peach City Fellowship

God’s “hardening” of hearts, demonstrated in His dealings with Pharaoh, and referred to in Romans 9 and 11, raises significant theological questions. Exodus records (17 times) that Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (Ex. 4:21, 7:3, 7:13, 7:14, 7:22, 8:19, 8:32, 9:7, 9:12, 9:34, 10:1, 10:20, 10:27, 11:10, 14:4, 14:8, 14:17). In 8 of those instances, GOD claimed to be the hardener. In the New Testament, Paul explains that God, “desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience VESSELS of WRATH prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for VESSELS of MERCY, which He has prepared BEFOREHAND for glory” (Rom. 9:22-23).

The hardening of hearts is seen not only in the story of Pharaoh but also among the Jews following Jesus’ resurrection. Paul writes, “Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking (i.e., justification through the Law). The ELECT obtained it (i.e., justification through the finished work of Christ), but the rest were HARDENED” (Rom. 11:7-8). Therefore, God sovereignly ordains that certain individuals or groups continue in rebellion against Him. “Hardening,” then, is a judicial act—the consequence of persistent unbelief and rejection of divine truth. This hardening serves to highlight God’s glory: through mercy AND wrath.

Additionally, “Total Depravity,” a key Christian doctrine, posits that the wills of all humans are in bondage to their sinful desires. Already hardened in sin, people CANNOT seek God without His help, just as Jesus explained, “No one CAN come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Paul explains why: “None is righteous, no, NOT ONE… NO ONE seeks for God… There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:10-18). Ultimately, we find that when God hardens hearts, He is simply allowing individuals to pursue their sinful inclinations, resulting in eternal estrangement from Him.

Thankfully, the Bible holds that God also opens and softens hearts. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promises “a new heart and a new spirit” to those He will save. God can and does redeem the hardest of hearts through the “new birth” (John 3). Thus, while He hardens hearts as part of His divine justice, He redeems hearts to demonstrate His mercy. This is GOOD NEWS for those who repent and trust Christ for salvation!

Grace and peace, y’all. Soli Deo Gloria