Essex Congregational Remembrancer Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son… I. WHAT IS THAT IMAGE OF HIS SON TO WHICH GOD DESIGNS HIS PEOPLE SHALL BE CONFORMED? His moral image; it being impossible that any creature, however exalted, can ever possess His natural perfections. "God created man in His own image." But, alas! by his fall he lost the image of his Maker. But it is the purpose of God to restore His people to their original rectitude; and in the character of the man Christ Jesus we behold the perfect pattern after which they shall be formed — viz., love to God, benevolence toward man, holiness, etc. Perfect conformity, of course, is not attainable in this world. It is the object of every good man's pursuit, but none reach it till they see the Saviour as He is. There are two things especially which the Holy Spirit does in those who are conformed to the likeness of Christ. 1. He enlightens the understanding to discern the beauties and excellences of the Saviour. Ancient philosophers used to say that if virtue was embodied every one would be in love with her. But every excellence adorned the character of our Lord, yet He was despised and rejected of men. But under the Spirit's illumination we shall readily admit that " He is fairer than the children of men," "chief among ten thousand and altogether lovely." 2. He produces love to those excellences in Christ, which He discovers to the mind. And "beholding the glory of Christ, we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord." II. BY WHAT MEANS IS CONFORMITY TO CHRIST PROMOTED? 1. The Scriptures, which portray Christ's image. 2. Gospel ordinances, such as preaching and the Lord's Supper, and private duties, such as self-examination, prayer, etc. 3. The constant influences of the Holy Spirit. 4. Sanctified afflictions. III. WHAT ENDS HAS GOD IN VIEW IN EFFECTING THIS TRANSFORMATION? 1. To manifest the power and riches of His grace. 2. The honour of Christ. The purchase of His blood shall be presented before the throne, "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." 3. The happiness of the saved. (Essex Congregational Remembrancer.) 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. |
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