Description

One of the most important things Adam and Eve lost during the fall was the likeness of their Creator. When they sinned, they no longer reflected the image of God. Nevertheless, this did not spoil the Lord’s plan to fill the earth with people who would bear His image. He chose how He would respond before the foundation of the world by providing for the redemption, salvation, and forgiveness of His creations.

God's great purpose for mankind is that we would bear the image and the likeness of His Son. In this sermon, Dr. Stanley explains that God makes us like Him in three ways:

• Spiritually and morally—He is made evident in our actions, which will only be completed after our physical lives are over.
• Character—He is exemplified when we exhibit love, forgiveness, kindness, patience, and generosity.
• Physically—He is manifested in our glorified bodies in heaven.

Also, Dr. Stanley tells us how we are transformed into Christ’s image because we are:

• Foreknown
• Predestined
• Called
• Justified
• Glorified

Our Heavenly Father is not interested in simply saving us to keep us from eternal torment. He has a higher purpose for us. He is personally involved in every aspect of our lives and is always conforming us to His likeness. When we submit to God’s authority, He is able to use us to reach other people who will do the same for others by sharing the gospel with them. This way, we can become a part of accomplishing the Lord’s plan to fill the earth with people who love and truly resemble Him.

This sermon is fourth in the series The God Who Cares, which includes:

1. The God Who Cares Enough to Reveal Himself
2. The God Who Cares Enough to Rescue Us
3. The God Who Cares Enough to Relate to Us
4. The God Who Cares Enough to Make Us Like Himself
5. The God Who Cares Enough to Comfort Us
6. The God Who Cares Enough to Prepare Heaven for Us