God's Purpose: From Foreknowledge to Glory
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | Friday, September 18, 2026 | Romans 8:26–30
KEY VERSE: “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son . . . And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.” — Romans 8:29–30
MESSAGE:
Romans 8:28 assures us that God works all things together for the good of His people according to His purpose. Verses 29–30 reveal something of that purpose. God’s work in the believer unfolds according to His gracious plan. From His foreknowledge and calling to justification and ultimate glorification, God is carrying out His saving purpose. At the heart of that purpose is that we should be conformed to the image of Christ.
Paul says that those whom God foreknew He predestined “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s purpose for His children is to make us Christlike. Through the Holy Spirit, His Word, trials and daily experiences, He works to shape our character, attitudes and conduct to reflect Jesus.
Paul describes the divine sequence of salvation—foreknew, predestined, called, justified and glorified—showing that salvation begins with God’s gracious initiative and continues according to His purpose. Though our final glorification is still future, Paul speaks of it as accomplished because God’s purpose is certain. What He has begun, He will complete. Believers can therefore face the future with confidence, knowing that God’s saving purpose cannot fail.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Cooperate with God’s transforming work by responding to His Word with obedience. Receive correction humbly and practise patience in your dealings with others. Trust His saving purpose when you cannot understand His ways, confident that He will bring His work in you to completion.
PRAYER:
Dear God, thank You that my life is in Your hands and that You are working according to Your purpose. Conform me increasingly to the image of Christ, and grant me the grace to trust You through every stage of my journey until I share fully in Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 261 Lamentations 1–3 — Grief Finds Hope in God’s Great Faithfulness
DAILY word study: PREDESTINED The word Predestined is translated from the Greek word proorizō, meaning “to determine beforehand” or “to appoint in advance.” In Romans 8:29, it points to God’s settled purpose: that His people should be conformed to the image of His Son.
Predestination in this passage is closely tied to Christlikeness. God’s purpose reaches beyond where you are today. He is shaping your character, desires and life so that Jesus is increasingly seen in you.
Reflect on this:
Where do you see God still shaping you? Trust His purpose, cooperate with His work, and keep growing toward the likeness of Christ.
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