And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (Rom 8:28-30)
The theme of predestination and divine selection runs right through the Bible – right from the choosing of Abraham, to God’s favour upon Issac instead of Ishmael and Jacob instead of Esau. Romans 9:10 -13 tells us why —in order that God's purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls. It was not based on them being Jewish or on their virtue or their faith. It was based on God choosing and therefore, His graciousness. From Jacob, God created a nation of His own, Israel. Deut 6:6-8 explains why God choose Israel to be His nation – it was because He loved them.
In the New Testament, the Bible talks about God choosing to add non- Jews (Gentiles) to His Kingdom. (Eph 3:6)
So what then is this ‘choosing’ all about?
Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Cor 1:26-31)
God chooses freely who will belong to his people. And He chooses in such a way as to accomplish two things, which are really two sides of the same coin. In verse 29 the goal of election is "that no human being might boast in the presence of God." The goal of God in election is the elimination of all human pride, all self-reliance, all boasting in man.
And the second goal of God in election, the other side of the coin, is given in verse 31: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." In other words, take all boasting off of man and focus all boasting on God. Humble man and exalt Christ. Make man see his utter dependence on God's mercy – that’s what predestination is all about!
