“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29, NKJV).

 In the beginning, God made us in His image (Gen. 1:27), but that image has been corrupted by sin.

 In what ways do we see this defacing of God’s image in humanity?

 It’s obvious: we all have been corrupted by sin (Rom. 3:10-19). Yet, God’s desire is to restore us to what we should have been originally. This is where our verse today fits in. It reveals God’s plan that those who submit their lives to the Holy Spirit may be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29, NIV).

 But there’s another dimension. “The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity. The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved in the perfection of the character of His people.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 671.

 How do you understand what Ellen G. White says to us in the quote cited above? See also Job 1, Matt. 5:16, 1 Cor. 4:9, Eph. 3:10.

 As Christians, we must never forget that we are in the midst of a cosmic drama. The great controversy between Christ and Satan is unfolding all around us. The battle takes many shapes and is manifested in many ways. And though much is hidden, we can understand that, as followers of Christ, we have a part to play in this drama and can bring honor to Christ through our lives.