Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Salvation is a one-time event in the life of a believer. Thank God that it takes place the moment genuine faith is placed in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross for forgiveness and salvation.
Of course, that is only the beginning of the Christian life. A new babe has been born into the Kingdom of God. But God is not going to let that new baby stay a baby the rest of his or her earthly life. Growth is expected.
The text verse reveals that God has decided beforehand (predestined) that everyone that is saved will be conformed to be like Christ. They have no choice in the matter.
Even though we will never be just like Christ in every way on earth, God works in our lives to bring us closer and closer to that end. It is one reason we go through trials, like Job said in Job 23:10: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
To produce the gold in our lives, God must burn off the dross – all that is not gold in His eyes. It is a slow process and an ongoing one. God is merciful. He does not try to accomplish it in a single night, but He will be relentless in His work to bring out the gold.
Some Christians strive against the work of the Potter – our Father. He has a plan to mold our lives for His own usefulness and glory. When we surrender to His will and let Him have His way in our lives, we find the going much easier. When we resist – which is futile – the lessons come much harder and may have to be repeated.