Conformed to Christ

A Sermon on Romans 8:28-30

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Scripture

Romans 8:28-30 ESV KJV

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among …

Sermon Description

Why does Christianity claim to be the only way of salvation? As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches this sermon from Romans 8:28-30 titled “Confirmed to Christ,” the gospel is a message of exclusivity that tells of salvation through Christ by His life, death, and resurrection. The teaching that all those who do not believe in the gospel in this life will be judged and condemned in the next is found throughout the Bible. Nevertheless, many fight and resist this teaching on the basis that it is narrow and unloving of God to condemn sinners to an eternity in hell. But, as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds the listener, all are in sin and under the condemnation and judgment of God on account of their unrighteousness and rebellion against Him. All have fallen in Adam who was the head of the whole human race. As the head of the new humanity, Christ died and conquered the grave so that all creation would be redeemed and made new. What was lost in Adam will be regained in Christ and more. It is only in Christ that people can become partakers of His blessings and become children of God. There is no salvation outside of Christ. This ought to compel all believers to proclaim the gospel to all who are lost and live in darkness.

Sermon Breakdown

The sermon begins by discussing God's purpose and plan for salvation which was determined before the foundation of the world.
Salvation is not universal and is only for those who are "the called according to His purpose." Not everyone will be saved.
God's purpose in salvation is not just forgiveness of sins but to conform believers to the image of His Son. This is the ultimate purpose and end goal of salvation.
To be conformed to the image of Christ means to be made like Him in our inward essence and nature. It is not just an outward or superficial likeness.
We are to be made like Christ as the "last Adam" and the head of a new humanity. We are to receive a new nature from Him.
We are to be made like Christ in His glorified and perfected humanity which is united to His eternal Sonship and deity.
This process of being conformed to Christ's image is happening now through the work of the Holy Spirit as we behold the glory of the Lord.
One day we will be fully conformed to Christ's image and be like Him in body and spirit. We will share in His glory and reign with Him.
We should meditate on this purpose of God in salvation and Christ's incarnation during Christmas. Christ became man so that we could become like God.

The Book of Romans

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.