Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… I. WHEREIN THIS CONFORMITY CONSISTS. 1. In afflictions (Isaiah 53:3). This must be expected by us (John 15:20). He calls us to no harder lot than He Himself endured. 2. In righteousness and holiness (Philippians 2:5; Matthew 11:29). (1) This is the end of conformity to Him in our afflictions (Hebrews 12:10). (2) This is the way to conformity to Him in glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). (3) This is a sign of our communion with Christ (1 John 2:6). (4) This will give us boldness in the judgment (1 John 4:17). 3. In felicity and glory. Conformity to Christ showeth us not only what we should do, but what we may expect. As to — (1) The body (Philippians 3:21). (2) The soul (1 Corinthians 15:4; 1 John 3:2; Psalm 17:15). II. WHY THIS IS THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE ELECT AND OTHERS. 1. This suiteth with God's design of recovering man out of his lapsed estate, by setting up a pattern of holiness and happiness in our nature. (1) Our primitive glory was God's image (Genesis 1:26). (2) When this glory was lost none was fit to restore it but the Son of God made man; for thereby the glory of the Father was again visible in Him in our nature (Colossians 1:18; Hebrews 1:3). Therefore all the heirs of promise are predestinated to be conformed to the image of His Son, or to God appearing in their nature. 2. Because they are all called after Christ's name — Christians. Now all that are called after Christ's name should be framed after His image, otherwise they will be called Christians to the disgrace of Christ. Surely, then, we ought to live as if another Christ were come into the world (2 Timothy 2:19). 3. Because all that are elected by God and redeemed by Christ are sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:15; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22). What is this but the image of Christ impressed upon the soul by His Spirit? 4. Because Christ was an example. It is a great advantage not only to have a rule, but a pattern, because man is so prone to imitate. (1) By this example our pattern is the more complete. There are some graces wherein we cannot be said to resemble God, as in humility, patience, obedience. But in these we have pattern from Christ (Matthew 11:29; Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 1:21). (2) It shows that a holy life is possible to those who are renewed by grace. (3) It shows what will be the issue and success of a life spent in patience and holiness (1 Peter 1:21). Conclusion: The use is — 1. For information. (1) What little hopes they have to get to heaven who are not like Christ. (a) In holiness. (b) In patience and courage under sufferings. (2) How we should know whether we have the true holiness, viz., when we are such as Christ was in the world. Some content themselves that they are not as other men (Luke 18:11). It is a sorry plea, when we have nothing to bear up our confidence but the badness of others. Others look no higher than the people who are in reputation for goodness among whom they live; whereas we are to be "holy as He is holy" (1 Peter 1:15; 1 John 3:3). 2. For direction. Now for directions. (1) The foundation is laid in the new birth. The Son of God was conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost; so are we born of water and the Spirit. (2) When we are dedicated to God, the Holy Ghost is the same to Christians that He was to Christ, a guide and comforter. (3) There is a conformity of life necessary, that we be such as Christ was — (a) To God, seeking His glory (John 8:50); pleasing God (ver. 29); obeying His will (John 6:38); delighting in converse with Him. (b) To man, subject to His natural parents (Luke 2:51); to rulers (Matthew 17:27); good to all (Acts 10:38); humble to inferiors (John 13:3, 4). (4) Eye your pattern much (Hebrews 12:2). Examine what proportion there is between the copy and the transcript. (5) Shame yourselves for coming short (Hebrews 3:12-14). (6) Use the means of communion with Him, especially the Lord's Supper. (T. Manton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. |
    |