To The Image Of His Son

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

Romans 8:29 

When all is said and done, what does God intend for us? Our text gives us the answer to that question. The answer is for us, ‘to be conformed to the image of His Son.’ He is so intentional about this that He has predestined us to this end. God has always been well-pleased with His Son. When Christ entered into the world, His Father was well-pleased with Him. At His baptism, His Father spoke from heaven and said He was well-pleased with Him. When He raised Christ from the dead, it was proof He was well-pleased with His sacrifice. Thus, it is the highest good God can do to us to conform us to the image of His Son. He has given Christ for us. Christ has entered into the world for us, lived for us, died for us, was raised from the dead for us, ascended for us, intercedes perpetually for us, and will return for us. God has made us His children by adoption. The implications of that status are that ultimately we will be like Christ. As John puts it, ‘Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.’ This is the brightest of futures. The idea of heaven is great, but the prospect of being like Christ is even greater. The prospect of being with Christ and like Him is greatest of all. Thus, the concept of predestination leads to a specific end. God had determined that He will completely transform us.  

God of grace and glory, 
we rejoice in Christ our Savior. 
We praise You for all that You are doing, 
to make us like Him.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning