Paul is a part of the “we” but who are the others included? Some have suggested it is the Jewish Christians since Paul’s background is Jewish. Also, the word “chosen” in the Hebrew language means to be appointed; it was used in the Old Testament to describe the dividing of the land by lots for each tribe. Every Christian is chosen when they accept the plan of salvation as it is revealed in God’s Word. When Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior you “were made a heritage.” The Christian becomes a part of God’s kingdom. In the second chapter of the book of Acts it tells us that God added those who obeyed the Gospel to the Church. You, as a Christian, are a part of God’s inheritance, the Kingdom of God, the Church.
God “predestined” or “foreordained” who would be a part of the Church. Many will say God decides which individual can be a part of His Kingdom, but if this was the case then you would not have the opportunity to choose the path you will follow. It is the plan and not the individual which has been “foreordained” therefore, giving each individual the opportunity to make their own decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. “According to the plan” is the plan God made before creation knowing mankind would disobey His commands. The result is sin which separated mankind from God and therefore, mankind needed the Savior, God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Everything Jesus said and did confirmed this plan.
God “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” It is God’s will to restore harmony and unity between mankind and Him. But there must be “conformity” to God’s plan. This will come about only when individuals become Christians. The Church is the new Israel, God’s people. To be a part of the Church you must be in Christ. In the book, God’s Ultimate Purpose by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones God’s purpose is described this way: “He has announced that the great secret which God has revealed concerning His purpose is that in this present age, and in Christ, He has reunited the discordant parts, the separate parts, into which sin has divided the world and the whole cosmos. God is restoring the original harmony, in heaven and on earth, and He is doing so in and through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It comes down to this; if you want to be in heaven, are you willing to conform to God’s plan and purpose? Do not make a hasty decision but consider all the facts. THINK ABOUT THIS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR DECISION FOR IT WILL DETERMINE WHERE YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY!!!!!!