“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son…”~ Rom.8:29
God’s chosen end for His elect, His eternal design, is that they be conformed to the image of His dear Son! Conformity in nature not in appearance. God is highly individualistic. He made us all different. I read there is no such thing as identical twins in every respect.
When God said in Genesis, “He made them (Adam and Eve) in His likeness and image,” you might want to think that through, that is, Eve!
When describing the Gadites, mighty men of battle, we’re told “whose faces were like the faces of lions,”~ 1 Chr. 12:8. That is, they didn’t look like lions, but rather possessed the facial characteristics of a lion (boldness, etc.). But all retained their individual, God-given features.
When Paul begs the believers at Rome not to be conformed to the world he is referring to their ways, attitude, actions, and philosophy. For the world hasn’t any visage, that is, face or features.
I like the little saying, “Be patient with me, God is not finished with me yet.” He is still working on each of His children. There will be a lot of hard-as-marble chips lying around, on the floor, before He gives His long awaited, “DONE!” (Phil. 1:6)
In the meantime that blessed image is taking on more and more form.
When I was a pastor, many years ago, I had a wonderful experience. I'd like to relate to you; it illustrates my point. I had a dear man of God, and his precious wife attended our church regularly. They were Seventh Day Baptists. He asked if we, our little family, would visit and share a meal.
After we left this godly home, my son Andrew, a boy at the time, said, “Dad, don’t you think Mr. Gordon must look like Jesus?” The blessed saint's attitude and actions brought about that comment.
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
Yes and Amen