1. Good out of Bad! (Rom 8:28) – “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.“

 

This chapter, Romans 8, has tremendous and timeless truths. It begins with “no condemnation” and ends with “No separation,” but in between is plenty of “liberation”! The passage before us (v. 28-39) is loaded with truth. For example, in verse 28, the Holy Spirit reveals, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Please understand that God is not saying that all things are “good”; instead, He is saying that all things “work together for good.” But this applies only to those who love the Lord.

 

2. Predestined to be conformed to His image! (Rom 8:29) – “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.”

 

The word “foreknow” is προγινώσκω, which means to know beforehand. So our Lord KNOWS BEFOREHAND what is going to happen. Next, the word “predestined” is προορίζω, which means to predetermine; it is to foreordain. This would be considered God’s sovereign selection. He decides His will, which is revealed in the next words. Follow the trend: The next word to study is “conformed.” The Greek word is σύμμορφος, which means to conform or to make similar. God’s predetermined will is to MAKE His children MORE like His SON! Lastly, look at the word “image.” It is the word εἰκών, which literally means an image, statue, or it can mean a representation. So there we have it. God’s purpose for having a relationship with us is to change us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. But when and how does He do it?