Topical Encyclopedia The concept of saints being predestinated to follow the example of Christ is deeply rooted in the New Testament teachings and reflects the divine purpose for believers to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This theological understanding emphasizes God's sovereign will in the sanctification and ultimate glorification of His people.Biblical Foundation The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, articulates the doctrine of predestination in the context of believers being conformed to the likeness of Christ. Romans 8:29 states, "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers." This passage underscores the divine intention that believers are to emulate Christ's character and virtues, reflecting His holiness and love. Christ as the Perfect Example Jesus Christ is presented in the Scriptures as the perfect model for believers. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death serve as the ultimate example of obedience, humility, and love. In Philippians 2:5-8 , Paul exhorts the saints to adopt the mindset of Christ: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." The Role of the Holy Spirit The process of following Christ's example is not left to human effort alone. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." The Spirit empowers and guides believers in their journey of sanctification, enabling them to live out the virtues exemplified by Christ. Practical Implications The call to follow Christ's example has practical implications for the daily lives of believers. It involves a commitment to live in accordance with the teachings of Jesus, demonstrating love, forgiveness, and service to others. In 1 Peter 2:21 , Peter reminds the saints, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps." Eternal Perspective The predestination of saints to follow Christ's example is not only for this life but also has an eternal dimension. Believers are assured of their ultimate glorification, where they will fully reflect the image of Christ. In 1 John 3:2 , the apostle John provides this hope: "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is." In summary, the example of Christ serves as the divine blueprint for the lives of believers, who are predestined to follow in His footsteps. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, they are progressively transformed into His likeness, living out the virtues of Christ in anticipation of their ultimate glorification. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 8:29For 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 brothers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Theology of Grace. The Boasted Merit of Works Subversive Both of the Glory of God, in ... Division of Actual Grace How Christ is to be Made Use Of, as the Way, for Sanctification in ... According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... Anti-Pelagian Writings Ephesians i. 2-Jan The Doctrines of Salvation A. Repentance. B. Faith. C. ... A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... Perseverance Proved. Resources What is the No True Scotsman fallacy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is nominalism? What is a nominalist? | GotQuestions.org To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Example: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Example: Bad, Admonitions Against The Example of Christ is Perfect The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Progressive The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being Guileless The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Being not of the World The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Benevolence The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Forgiving Injuries The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Holiness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Humility The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Love The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Meekness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Ministering to Others The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Obedience The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Overcoming the World The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Purity The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Righteousness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Self-Denial The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering for Righteousness The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Suffering Wrongfully The Example of Christ: Saints Predestinated to Follow Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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