Predestined or not predestined?

Is there such a thing as predestination?

Many people are unsure of the meaning of this question and many teachers and preachers teach this incorrectly. When we read Romans 8:29-30 it sounds like we have no choice in the matter if we take it out of context.

But, we can't take verses 29 and 30 out of context without verse 28 and expect to understand it.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

God knew before the foundation of the world who would love Him. He knew He would do everything that has been done and will be done, and it is His plan from start to finish.

Like Moses, when God called him to lead the people out of Egypt. He started with plan A, but then Moses argued, so God switched to plan B.

Did God know Moses would argue and that He would change plans? Of course He did. He let Moses argue and changed plans so Moses would know.

God doesn't do anything because He needs it, He does it for us.

When we look at Roman 8:28-30, we have to understand all the words He said and why.

All things work together for good to them that love God... according to His purpose. The "good" is what comes, according to God's purpose. The purpose of us living with Him for eternity and being His "brethren", His people.

He knew beforehand who would love Him and predestined them to "be conformed to the image [likeness] of His Son". That "He", Jesus, might be the firstborn among many brethren.

1 Peter 1:20 Who [Jesus] verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world , but was manifest in these last times for you

Those whom God knew would love Him before the world was even created, are predestined to be His brethren for eternity.

He knows exactly who, what, when and how everything is going to play out. But, like Moses, He's letting us go through it ourselves.

Also, a very relavant point to this discussion is; If we're predestinated and have no choice in the matter, then all of those called by God would also be chosen, wouldn't they?  But we know that is not true!

Matt 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

We have a choice to believe on and follow our Lord Jesus and it is totally up to us. Jesus paid the price for our sin. The wages of sin is death and He paid it all. Why would we not be grateful for that?