THE DETERMINED OBJECTIVE OF SALVATION

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 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. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us." (Romans 8:28-34, NKJV)

Devotion 19 of 33

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PREDESTINATION
:He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son . . . "

NOT PREDESTINATED TO BE SONS, BUT
PREDESTINATED TO BE LIKE THE SON

This text is not teaching that God predestinated who would be saved, or become His children. I do not question that this is taught elsewhere, although care must be taken in drawing unwarranted conclusions from those affirmations (Eph 1:4-5,11; 1 Thess 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:2).

Our text declares what God has predestinated concerning His children – those who are born of the Spirit. They will become like Jesus Christ!  The process begins now, being especially made known in the crucible of suffering. It will be brought to completion when we behold the "only begotten Son" in all of His glory.

All of this has a significant bearing on us now. Those who are presently being "changed from glory unto glory" have, in that change, the pledge of future glory. Those who are not being changed are not beholding Jesus! If it is true that God has predetermined that men will be conformed to the "IMAGE of His Son," we had better keep that "image" in view. This is not a mere mental image, or an impression created by human imagination. Rather, it is the "image" developed by faith when the Gospel is believed, embraced, pondered, and preferred above all else.

THE REASON FOR PREDESTINATION
What is the reason for God predestinating that His children be conformed to the "image of His Son?"  It is marvelous for simplicity, yet mysterious because of its profundity. It is in order "that HE might be the firstborn among MANY brethren."  The objective was to have a whole race of personalities that were like Jesus Christ. He was the "Firstborn" – the first of a new race who would all become like Him. They would be changed into His image.

Let it be clear in your mind that God's aim is not simply to remit your sin – although that is necessary for the larger purpose. Neither, indeed, is His objective  for you to reach all of the world for Jesus – although that too is involved in the ultimate purpose. The revealed purpose is  not to build an institution, or give you extraordinary health and wealth! Such delusions are unbecoming for the saints of God. Whatever good may be seen in them, they are centered in this world, not "the world to come."  The "image of His Son" is the precise point of conformity.

CHRIST'S BRETHREN ARE HIS CHILDREN
Christ's brethren are also His  children. They  are His brethren because God is their Father as well as His. As it is written, "For both He who sanctifies and  those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto My brethren" (Heb 2:11,  NKJV). This circumstance is also reflected in the resurrected Lord's words to Mary Magdalene, the very first person to whom He appeared following His resurrection. " . . . go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and YOUR Father; and to My God, and YOUR God" (John 20:17).

The same individuals are also called Christ's "children."  Thus, He is depicted as standing at last before the Father saying, "Behold I and the children which God hath given me" (Heb 2:13). Isaiah prophesied that the vicarious death of Christ would yield multitudinous offspring. "But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand" (Isa 53:10). The Psalmist boldly announced, "A seed shall serve him" (Psa 22:30). Jesus is like "a grain of wheat" that went into the ground, but brought forth "much fruit" (John 12:24). 

Aaron's children were not like him (Lev 10:1). Eli's children were not like him (1 Sam 2:12). David's children were not like him (2 Sam 13). Joseph's brethren were not like him (Gen 37). David's brethren were not like him (1 Sam 17:28). But ALL of Jesus' children will be "like Him."  ALL of His brethren will be "like Him." 

That is God's predestinated purpose. It cannot be negated, negotiated, or changed. It only remains whether or not we become involved in the conforming process here and now. If we do, we will eventually be fully conformed to the "image His Son" when He appears.  If we do not, His appearance will find us consigned to perdition.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for predestinating the outcome of Your great salvation.

-- Tomorrow: SALVATION IS NOT A MERE FORMALITY --