DEVOTION ~THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

Theme: The Image of Christ 

Text: Romans 8:28-30

²⁸ 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. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Good things are associated with God because He is good and have such intentions towards those who believe in Him. Our existence on earth isn't by accident but by divine plan of God carry out a mandate for His glory. He made known this to Jeremiah; “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Indeed God knows us even before we were formed in our mothers womb. This is well elaborated by the Apostle Paul in today's text.

There's a successful path in the lives of believers and this will be our focus. From being known by God--> predestined - -> called--> justified and glorified.

Having established that the Lord knew us before we were born, then it explains He foreknew us. Though disobedience manifested itself in our first parents (Adam and Eve), God never gave up on us. It's for this reason Christ came to die for us that we made have eternal life if we believe in Him. If we come to Christ, and surrender to Him as our Lord and personal Saviour, then the carnal image in us is transformed to have the newness of Christ. For anyone who is in Christ is a new creation, the former things have passed away and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). God has predestined us to have the image of Jesus if we believe (John 3:16).

Having being predestined to have the image of Christ, we have also been called as children. We are children of God and cohier with Jesus in the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit lives in us and we are guided by Him and so, we are sons and daughters of God. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:12-17).

If we are called children of God, He justifies it through Christ Jesus who is our firstborn. The righteousness of the firstborn reflects on all the other children as they learn the good of the firstborn. We have crucified all our sins to the cross and taken up the righteousness of God. Through His death, we have been reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). God has justified us as righteous in Christ Jesus. 

Having justified us, He glorifies us. To be glorified, we need to take up our cross and follow Jesus. If indeed we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified together with Him. That glory is to enter into God's eternal life. Salvation shall be our portion and we will be crown in glory to enjoy the good of paradise. 

You're the image of Christ Jesus. Live each day in this image and don't give room for the devil to ursurp this kingly glory from you. 

Prayer: Thank You Lord, that You know me and have predestined me in the image of Christ. I pray the grace to accept the truth that You've also called be Your child and have justified me as having the righteousness of Christ. Help me to firmly abide in this truth and glorify Yourself in me now and in Your Kingdom. This I ask in Jesus' name. AMEN!