—Would you tell a group that they’re saved because they’re Floridians? Presbyterians? Baptists? etc.?—
No, but He refers to His Church specifically throughout the Bible. He has a plan for His Church. And He has made that plan known and predestined it. Who makes up that Church is known by Christ, but not predestined and not chosen. People in the world choose whehter to be apart of that Church that Christ has predestined for great things.
Like a train. It’s predestined to go to a location. But it’s the individual that decides to get on AND stay on the whole ride. Thus is the church. It’s predestined to do great things, reach people, etc. But it’s up to individuals to get in and stay in. God knows who will, but doesn’t choose it for us.
The Church is the redeemed ones. Do you believe that joining a church saves you?