And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed in the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is writing a pastoral letter to bring comfort to the faithful in Rome, telling them to endure suffering with hope that is certain, of future glory.

Verse 28 is explained by verses 29 and 30.  Our salvation is part of God’s eternal purpose to glorify His Son. God’s plan is not about us but is about Christ and we are being conformed to Christ’s image through trials and this is done so that Christ would be the firstborn and supreme over all creation. Our happiness isn’t the final goal but instead it is the purpose of exalting God’s Son – the preeminence of Christ Is Gods eternal purpose. And it cannot fail because God cannot fail. Because it is of the the Lord He will complete our salvation  – Because Christ will be glorified by our sharing in His glory.

This plan is entirely initiated by God and the faithful are called according to God’s purpose. Grace is unmerited favor from God and is not based on some good in us – that would give men reason to boast. God’s foreknowledge before time began means God wills that some are elected to salvation made available by Christ. This was determined by God beforehand – what He will do and He will do it.