Ep. 47 | Predestined to Be Like Christ: The Genesis Connection | Romans 8:29

What if God’s plan for you started on the very first page of the Bible? In this follow-up to our predestination episode, Pastor Thomas Kulp of Horizon Church in Bosque Farms, New Mexico, shares the “oh my gosh” moment that changed how he reads Romans 8:29-30.

Pastor Thomas takes us from Romans back to Genesis 1:26-27, where God says, “Let us make man in our image.” His conclusion is that predestination is about more than who goes to heaven or hell. Before time began, God planned for you to be conformed to the image of Christ. Sin broke that image, the Old Testament shows a people who lost it, and the cross bridges the gap and begins restoring it. Going to heaven is true, he says, but it’s the milk version of the gospel. God’s plan is bigger than that.

Along the way he reminds us that God is sovereign, that our identity is in Christ alone, and that hard seasons are meant to be viewed through the lens of future glory. He also gives an honest picture of what it looks like to put God first when life gets heavy.

In this episode:

– God’s sovereignty and the stages of Romans 8:29-30, from foreknowledge to glorification

– The Genesis 1:26-27 connection: made in God’s image from the beginning

– Why predestination is about becoming like Christ, not just heaven or hell

– How the cross bridges the gap and restores God’s original plan

– Why your identity is in Christ alone

Key verse: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” (Romans 8:29)

If something spoke to you, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. To connect with our community, visit Horizon Church online. Until next time, keep glorifying God and keep growing.

Glorify & Grow is the podcast of Horizon Church, Bosque Farms, New Mexico, hosted by Pastor Thomas Kulp.