Passage
For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
Nearby Context
Romans 8:27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit’s mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Romans 8:30 Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:32 He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
Study Lenses
The verse centers on "called", "conformed to the image of his Son", "image of his Son", "justified", "glorified", "foreknew", "predestined", and "might". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "called" and "conformed to the image of his Son", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.
The nearby context moves from verse 28's "We know that all things work together..." into verse 31's "What then shall we say about these...", so "called" and "conformed to the image of his Son" belong inside that flow. In The Spirit's Help and God's Purpose, the local focus is life in the Spirit, intercession, God's providence, and conformity to Christ.
A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "called" and "conformed to the image of his Son" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.