Greek Key Terms:
Context: Golden chain of salvation (Romans 8:28-30). Follows assurance that "all things work together for good" (8:28); precedes link from foreknowledge to glorification (8:30). Part of larger section on life in the Spirit and future glory (8:1-39).
Connections:
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Forward-Looking), Redemptive-Historical Progression, Longitudinal Theme — Adam's image-bearing was a providential type of Christ the perfect Image, and believers' progressive conformity to Christ's image marks the redemptive-historical restoration of humanity's original vocation, advancing the longitudinal theme of the imago Dei through sanctification to glorification.
Christological Connection: Christ is the perfect Image to which all believers are being conformed. Where Adam bore God's image but fell, Christ is God's image eternally (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). Believer's transformation into Christ's image is progressive now (2 Corinthians 3:18: "being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another") and will be complete at resurrection (1 John 3:2: "when he appears we shall be like him"). Escalation: Adam's image-bearing was created and mutable; Christ's is eternal and immutable. Adam was appointed to represent God; Christ represents God perfectly as "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Adam's failure corrupted image in all descendants; Christ's success restores image in all united to Him. The trajectory reveals God's eternal purpose: from damaged image in Adam → to perfect Image in Christ → to corporate body of image-bearers conformed to Christ. Romans 8:29 places this within Trinitarian framework: Father foreknows and predestines; Spirit transforms (2 Corinthians 3:18); goal is conformity to Son. Believers become πρωτότοκος "firstborn" (plural) by union with the πρωτότοκος (singular), sharing His inheritance and glory (Romans 8:17).
Trajectory Table: 076 - Image of God (Priestly Vocation)