What is the apostle trying to convey here? Are we saved by our own works or decisions to believe or not believe? As hard as it is for most to believe, and most believers believe they had something to do with their salvation, this passage contradicts that notion. Before the world was ever formed, He knew us, just what we’d look like and the nature we would have. He then, again before we were ever born, chose who were predestined to be saved, made like His Son. Those He predestined, He justified—just as if they had never sinned, and then He glorified us. Once again, Paul is confirming the doctrine of election, or being chosen, by God to whether we will be saved or not, what our life will be, what we will do. And if God had not chosen, elected, predestined some of us, none of us would be saved as no one would choose Him (Romans 3:11). Aren’t you rejoicing that He chose YOU?

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”