Why We Do What We Do

But when he [God the Father] who had set me apart before I [Paul] was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles -  Galatians 1:15-16

So Paul was set apart by God before he was born. Does that mean that Paul did not have a choice? No - In my thinking it means that God is omniscient - He sees from the beginning to the end. He knew what Paul would do before Paul was Paul or Saul. That when God revealed Jesus to Paul - Paul surrendered by faith. 

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. - Romans 8:29

In other words - those whom God knew would believe in Jesus as the Christ would then be conformed to the image of Christ - becoming one with Jesus and the Father.

I [Jesus] do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. - John 17:20-23

Jesus said - "If you have seen me then you have seen the Father". The same could be said about Christians. I might say, "If you have seen me then you have seen Jesus." That is what it means to be conformed to the image of Jesus. What!!!!  You say that you could not tell people that - because??? Well because I don't always look like Jesus - in fact - very often I look more like the world I was saved out of. 

That is why Paul exhorted the Roman Christians and Christians since - 

I beseech [beg] you therefore, brethren [men and women], by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:1-3

What is His good and acceptable and perfect will? That you be conformed to the image of His Son. How do you do that? Surrender - surrendering your will and your ways to God. Submitting to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Easy peasy - right? Uh - no it's not. It is a battle. So that begs the question - Are you up to the fight? I pray so.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone