Dr. David Jeremiah daily devotional May 16 2023 Topic: A Work in Process
SCRIPTURE: 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.-Romans 8:29
A portrait or sculpted bust is ideally created with the subject in the studio. If that is not possible, a photograph of the subject is needed. In either case, an image of the subject—in person or in a photo—is required in order to create a 2D (portrait) or 3D (bust) likeness.
The ultimate goal of the Christian’s salvation experience is to be “conformed to the image of [God’s] Son,” Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). Therefore, we are the blank canvas or the lump of marble or clay, and Jesus is the “image” to which we are being conformed. Not a physical conformity but a spiritual conformity. The process begins with the new birth (John 3:1-3). Paul expands on the idea by saying in Christ you are a “new creation”—the old you has “passed away,” and “the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV).
God, the Artist, is in no hurry. In fact, our conformity to Christ is a lifelong process, being completed when we see Him face-to-face. Be patient! You are a work in process.
The goal of sanctification is to be conformed to Christ’s image… not be self-satisfied.
John MacArthur
Credit : Turning Point Ministries