Welcome.
There are many denominations and sects born out of hyper-focusing on archaic words, stripping them from their plain meaning and transforming them into doctrines that cause later readers to stumble. I'd like to share a bit of context and then (hopefully) allow the scriptures to reveal what they're saying on their own. Of course, always pray before studying asking the Almighty to reveal His plain meaning to you.
Paul's target audience
Rom 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Who's in Rome?
Jews who believe & Gentile converts who believe (Acts 2:10, 18:2)
The core passage in question
Rom 8:29
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.
Who did Almighty foreknow?
Rom 11:1-2
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel:
Is this confirmed elsewhere?
Amos 3:1-2
Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
Deut 32:8-9
When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Back to the core passage in question [w/brackets inserting scripture]
Rom 8:29
For [the children of Israel], he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
When did Almighty predestinate Israel to conform to the image of His Son?
Hosea 1:10-11
10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.
11 Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel.
Romans' context confirmed
Rom 8:19, 23 [brackets mine]
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
23 And not only [Israel], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Back to the core passage in question [w/brackets inserting scripture]
Rom 8:29
For [the children of Israel], he also did [Preplan] to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans continues
Rom 8:30-33
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.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
- (OF) Whom He preplanned = The Children of Israel
- THEM (==>) He called = Specific people of Israel
- (OF) Whom He called = Specific people of Israel
- THEM (==>) He Justified = Those who answer the call
- (OF) Whom He Justified = Those who answered the call
- THEM (==>) He glorified = Those specific people of the children of Israel who answer the call will transform
God's Elect. The remnant of the children of Israel.
Romans 11:1-2, 5-7, 28 [brackets mine]
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew...
5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
28 As concerning the gospel, [Remnant of Israel] are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [Remnant of Israel] are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
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Summary Conclusion:
1) Only Israel was foreknown by God; known before all other nations. Known intimately; covenant.
2) Only Israel is preplanned to confirm into the likeness of His Son.
3) Only the remnant of Israel is the Elect of God. Those who hear the call.
4) Israel was scattered/cast to the winds so that Gentiles have an opportunity for Salvation.
- The kingdom of heaven is like a net (Matthew 13:47)
5) Gentile believers are grafted (like wild branches) into the root of Israel (on the condition they continue in Him)
6) When the full measure of Gentiles comes into Israel (i.e. He knows them too), The Remnant will be regathered.
- The kingdom of heaven is like a net (Matthew 13:47)
- Men will take hold of a Jew and say "we will go with you for God is with you". (Zechariah 8:23)
7) Thus All Israel (Remnant & wild branches) is saved. The Resurrection. The Transformation. The Glory.
