Who Did God Foreknow? - A Non-Calvinist Look at Romans 8:28-30
Who Did God Foreknow? A Non-Calvinist Look at Romans 8:28–30 Romans 8:28–30 is often cited in support of Calvinism, especially the doctrines of unconditional election and irresistible grace. Many claim this passage teaches that God chose specific individuals before the foundation of the world, and predestined them to be saved apart from any condition, including faith. But is that really what Paul is saying? A closer look, especially in the broader context of Romans 8–11, reveals a compelling non-Calvinist alternative: the “foreknown” are not arbitrarily chosen individuals, but the faithful remnant of God’s covenant people, now expanded to include both Jews and Gentiles who are in Christ. Paul is not describing how individuals become believers, but what God has always planned for those who truly love Him and trust in His promises. Let’s walk through the passage and surrounding context to see how this interpretation makes better sense of Paul’s argument and avoids the theological pr...