The word calleth is not to be overlooked. When applied to moral agents, it assumes the possession of free-will. They are "called", but not compelled or necessitated. According to the nature of the case, a "call" may assume the form either of a summons or of an invitation. It may sometimes be allied to a commandment; it may sometimes be allied to an entreaty. In the case before us [ROMANS 9:10-13], where the reference is to prerogative, which in its inner ethical content may be either welcomed and prized, or spurned and stamped underfoot, the call will be essentially of the nature of a Divine invitation. Some of God's greatest blessings He simply provides and confers without sending forth an invitation. To the enjoyment of others He gives invitation, and, as it were, says, "Ho, every one! come ye." Some such invitation may pave the way for further and ulterior invitation. They who "have", in the sense of accepting what has been proffered, and of keeping and prizing and guarding what they have got, to them shall be given, and they shall "have" more abundantly. Invitation to them will follow invitation, till the highest blessing is reached; and they find in their delightful experience that blessed are they who are God's invited guest to the everlasting banquet of bliss. To all the highest blessings there is a Divine "call" or "invitation." For "whom He did foreknow, them He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son (in glory); and whom He did predestinate, them He also calls; and whom He calls, them He also justifies; and whom He justifies, them He also glorifies." (Rom. viii. 29, 30.)
- from pages 69-70, The Exposition of the Ninth Chapter of Romans