“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son,
in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Romans 8:29
This little verse is amazing. It sits in the midst of a breathtaking chapter, so it’s easy to lose sight of as Paul sings out an amazing array of gospel notes. And when our attention is drawn to this verse, it’s often to remind us of our election—a beautiful truth. But focusing on the fact that we are predestined sometimes prevents us from seeing the purpose of our predestination.
Look at the verse—God’s words—again.
The aim of God’s electing work is stunning. God intends that we become conformed to the image of Jesus. Why? So that Jesus will have many brothers. And what does that conformity look like? It’s relational through and through. We are conformed to the image of Jesus—the Son—by knowing and enjoying God as our Father.
Notice, this is God’s design from before the beginning. That means we have a clear answer to the question, ”Why did God create humanity?” In short: That we would be his children! At first glance, this may seem to contradict the Westminster Shorter Catechism which states that the chief end of man is to “glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” But when seen together, it makes even more sense. How do we glorify, magnify, image-forth God? By reflecting the Son. By being conformed to his image. And how do we enjoy God forever? Only by knowing and living in the reality that he is ours—our Father.
The language of “image” reminds us of Genesis 1, where we read that we are made in the image of God (1:26–28). What does that mean? Genesis 5:1–3 says, “When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them. … When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.”
Seth is the “likeness” and “image” of Adam because he is Adam’s son. So too with us. At the heart of being made in the image of God is the reality that we were created to be God’s children. That’s why we can then be told to exercise the Lord’s dominion in the world: because our Father is King! That’s also why Luke can call Adam “the son of God” (Luke 3:38).
Back to Romans 8.
How do we become like the only begotten Son? Verse 14 says, “All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” God’s Spirit is making us into sons. In the verse that follows, the same Spirit is called the ”Spirit of adoption.” How does he transform us? He’s causing us to cry out “Abba, Father!” and bearing witness to us that we are God’s children. The Spirit is actively working to convince you that God is your Father. Father, Son, and Spirit—this is their aim in your life.
Be encouraged by God’s plan for you today, reflect on his warm, familial intention for you. May he continue to shape us into the image of Jesus who came so that he might give us “the right to be called children of God” (John 1:12). For so we are, in him. Hallelujah!
