Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 8:29

29. For whom he did foreknow , he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son , that he might be the first-born among many brethren .

Having let fall a Word in the former Verse, concerning the purpose of God; he thinks good, in what follows, to pursue that Subject, and a little to enlarge upon it.

i. e. With a knowledge of approbation; for otherwise, he foreknew all Persons and Things: Or, whom he did forekn[illegible: 1 letter]w for His own, Iohn 10.14, 27. chap. 11.2. 2 Tim. 2.19. This foreknowledge of God, is the ground of our Election, vid. 1 Pet. 1.2.

Whom He was pleas'd to approve of, and to pitch His free Love and Favour upon: He severed from the common lump and mass of Mankind, and did appoint them to be conformed to the image of his Son. i. e. To be conformed to him in Holiness, and Sufferings here, and in Glory hereafter, vid. 1 Cor. 15.49. 2 Cor. 3.18. Ephes. 1.4, 5, 6. Phil. 3.20, 21. 1 Iohn. 3.2.

This is the Limitation of the forementioned Conformity; though there be a likeness in us unto Christ, yet there is an Equality; He still retaineth the Dignity of the First-born, and hath a double, yea a far greater Portion; He is Head and Ruler of all the Family in Heaven, and in Earth, Psal. 45.7, 8.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word] 17.22.; [illegible: 1 word]. 1.18. [illegible: 1 word] 1.6.