29 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 many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. – Rom 8:29-30
Terri and I just read this as part of our morning devotions. I have a note after it in my Bible that simply says, “Past Tense!” Take a close look at it again. Our conforming to the image of His Son is still in our future. That is on the last day, at the resurrection. But the other verbs are all past tense. We have been predestined, justified, glorified.
This is awesome! We know that we were predestined before time. We know that we were justified when Christ died for us and rose again. But glorified?! Yes! We have been glorified in our Baptism. God has made us His own child in our Baptism. We have been given our salvation and received the Holy Spirit. We have been raised to new life in Jesus Christ! What could be more glorious than that?!
But we must also remember that this is a “now and not yet.” Our glory is not complete. For our bodies have yet to be glorified. That will come on the last day, when “we are conformed to the image of His Son.” Then the process of our glorification will be complete – body and soul.
We pray – Dearest Lord, thank You for calling me to be Your own, for justifying me with Your death and resurrection, and for glorifying me in my baptism. Help me to live as a glorified child of God until that day You return and glorify my body also. In Your Holy Name we pray. – Amen