The authorities
behind the record.

“How come I'm not making pots in Peru? You're born to this shit. You are what you are.” Tony Soprano's answer in Down Neck is plain: moving to another country does not change who you are.

“For unto every one that hath shall be given … but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” Matthew 25:29 gives the doctrine its arithmetic: more goes to those who have; even the little held by those without is taken.

“Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.” Romans 9 removes effort from the decision. Mercy and hardening come first; the clay does not choose its vessel.