Conformed to the Likeness of Christ

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

For centuries, theologians, commentators, and Christ followers have tried to come to grips with divine election. Does God only choose certain ones? Does He really choose those who will be eternally separated from Him? The debate is ongoing, and I will not add to that part of it in this eDevotion. Rather, I want to focus on the purpose of our election.

While there will remain confusion to some about the subject of election, there should be no confusion as to why we are elected. We are to be like Jesus! That, dear Christ follower, is crystal clear. God wants all His children (the elect) to be “conformed to the likeness of Christ” [Roman 8:29].

So how does He do it? How does God work in us to grow us in Christlikeness? The answer is really simple; it’s called life. God uses everything in our life to ultimately make us like Jesus. Everything? Yes, I really mean that. The good and bad, hardship and blessing, suffering and abundance, are all tools God uses to help us become more and more like our Savior. 

God takes all the stuff of life and works it for good, Paul said [Romans 8:28]. How can it all be good? Because the outcome is Christlikeness. 

Our Christlikeness will not be complete until we see Him [1 John 3:2]. In the meantime, I’m grateful that I am a child of God (chosen/elect). If you are a Christ follower, you can rest in that confidence too.

For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29