Conformed to the Image of Christ in Romans 8
Conformed to the Image of Christ in Romans 8
The concept of being conformed to the image of Christ is central to Romans 8, particularly in verse 29, which states, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" [1]. This verse is part of a larger passage that discusses the believer's relationship with Christ and the ultimate glorification of those who are in Christ.
Romans 8 is situated within Paul's broader argument about the Christian's freedom from the law of sin and death. The chapter begins by affirming that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1). This affirmation is grounded in the work of Christ, who was sent "in the likeness of sinful flesh" to condemn sin in the flesh (Rom 8:3). The phrase "likeness of sinful flesh" is significant, as it highlights Christ's identification with humanity while also maintaining his sinlessness [2].
The concept of being conformed to Christ's image is closely tied to the idea of sonship. According to Adam Clarke, the design of God in sending his Son was to redeem men from sin, and those who are led by the Spirit of God are considered sons of God (Rom 8:14) [3]. This sonship is not limited to a future reality but is a present experience, as believers are already considered children of God and heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ (Rom 8:16-17).
The image of Christ that believers are being conformed to is characterized by his humility and obedience, as seen in Philippians 2:8, where Christ is described as being "obedient unto death, even death on a cross" [5]. This conformity to Christ's image involves suffering with him, as noted in Romans 8:17 and echoed in 1 Peter 4:13, where believers are called to suffer with Christ in order to be glorified with him [4].
The ultimate goal of this conformity is the glorification of believers, which is tied to their adoption as sons of God. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, the scope of Romans 8:1-4 is to show how believers are freed from the law of sin and death, and how they receive the homage of a living obedience [2]. This glorification is not limited to a future reality but is already anticipated in the present experience of believers, who are being transformed into Christ's image.
The historical setting of Romans 8 is crucial for understanding the concept of conformity to Christ's image. Paul is writing to a community of believers in Rome, likely composed of both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The letter is dated to around 57-58 AD, during Paul's third missionary journey [1]. The context of persecution and suffering is evident in Romans 8:17-39, where Paul encourages believers to persevere in their faith despite hardships.
Sources
- Romans “Romans 15:8 (BBE) — Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision to give effect to the undertakings given by God to the fathers,”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 8 (introduction): CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE ARGUMENT--THE GLORIOUS COMPLETENESS OF THEM THAT ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. (Rom. 8:1-39) There is therefore now, &c.--referring to the immediately preceding context [OLSHAUSEN, PHILIPPI, MEYER, ALFORD, &c.]. The subject with which the seventh chapter concludes is still under consideration. The scope of Rom 8:1-4 is to show how "the law of sin and death" is deprived of its power to bring believers again into bondage, and how the holy law of God receives in them the homage of a living obedience [CALVIN, FRASER, PHILIPPI, M”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 8 (introduction): The happy state of those who believe in Christ, and walk under the influence of his Spirit, Rom 8:1, Rom 8:2. The design of God in sending his Son into the world was to redeem men from sin, Rom 8:3, Rom 8:4. The miserable state of the carnally minded, Rom 8:6-8. How Christ lives and works in his followers; their blessedness here, and their happiness hereafter, Rom 8:9-17. Sufferings are the common lot of all men; and from which Gentiles and Jews have the hope of being finally delivered, Rom 8:18-23. The use and importance of hope, Rom 8:24, Rom 8:25. The”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:13: 4:13 Christians are called to suffer with Christ in order to be glorified with him (see also Rom 8:17).”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 2:8: being found in fashion as a man--being already, by His "emptying Himself," in the form of a servant, or likeness of man (Rom 8:3), "He humbled Himself (still further by) becoming obedient even unto death (not as English Version, 'He humbled Himself and became,'&c.; the Greek has no 'and,' and has the participle, not the verb), and that the death of the cross." "Fashion" expresses that He had the outward guise, speech, and look. In Phi 2:7, in the Greek, the emphasis is on Himself (which stands before the Greek verb), "He emptied Himself," His divin”