When does a believer arrive at the position God predestined for him?
A believer arrives at the position God predestined for him at the moment of salvation. God has kept that place open from eternity past, and the instant a person is saved, he is placed exactly where God intended him to be. Predestination concerns that positional standing, not a later attainment.
Les explains that the word "adoption" comes from Greek and Roman practice, where a son is placed as a full partner and heir with the Father. God predestinated believers and kept that place open from eternity past, so that the moment a person is saved, he is right where God intended him to be. Predestination is about the position, not a future attainment. This adoption of children by Jesus Christ is according to the pleasure of His good will. Les also turns to Acts chapter 2, verses 22 and 23, where Peter preaches to Israel, to show that even in unbelief they knew the Old Testament. But the central point remains that the believer's predestined position is realized at salvation.
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
What does predestination mean for a believer's position at the moment of salvation?
Predestination means God predestinated and kept open a position for every believer, so at the moment of salvation that believer is placed exactly where God intended from eternity past. It concerns the believer's position, described as adoption: a full partner and heir with the Father through Jesus Christ.
Where does God position a believer the moment they are saved?
The moment a believer is saved, God immediately positions them equal with Christ the Son as a joint heir. They are placed in the body, in Christ, and in an elevated position in the heavenlies, having been predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself.