Reading Ro 9 starting at v1 through v33 it says Salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ not by works of the law as the Jews believe. That is THE main idea Paul was getting across. It is in no way about God predestinating only certain individuals to eternal life.
Spot on DevotiontoBible,
Predestined = A PLAN with a PATH
Romans 8:29
For those ""God foreknew"" he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
This notion of your future is at birth already decided is FALSE. Does God already know what all will choose. YES HE DOES. He knows because He has already seen the future. However, every individual must choose for themselves.
God predestined a "PATH" with the "PLAN" of salvation before creation & time began.
The "PATH & PLAN" are predestined by one choosing to place thier faith in GOD'S PRE-PLANNED PATH.
Genesis 24:58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
(NOTE: Rebekah had a choice))
John 3:16, Romans 10:13 & Acts 2:21 All proclaim:
WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved
(The "PATH" & "PLAN" are predestined. The choice is made by the individual No one is born saved. And the Faith choice of salvation is NEVER forced)
It's not before birth that justification & salvation happen.
If people are predestined to be saved. What is the point of the Lords suffering on the cross?
If salvation comes thru your great works. What is the point of the Lords suffering on the cross?
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
(NOTE: If your trying to become justified thru law keeping. You've missed the Grace train)
Ephesians 2:
8 "By grace" are ye saved" ""through faith" "not of yourselves" it is the "gift" of God
(NOTE: Grace is a gift, accessed thru Faith in Christ)
9 "Not of works" "lest any man should boast"
(NOTE: Works don't work)
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(NOTE: We access God's grace thru Faith)
The Predestined "Plan & Path" is Who ever will CHOOSE to: Place their Faith in the: Redemptive Sin Atoning Death (sins wage paid), Burial & Resurrection (God's receipt, payment received) of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation is a faith choice: You're not born with it & you can't earn it. May we all choose wisely!