In being restored to holiness man is conformed to the image of the Son. “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.” Rom. 8:29. It is true God foreknew that some would not believe on his Son and be redeemed, and he foreknew that others would. Here we behold the wonderful mercy of God. He strives with the heart of the sinner and brings all influences possible to bear upon him to turn him from his sin, and all the time knowing he would never be saved; however he thus leaves him without excuse and makes him wholly responsible for his loss. What is the image of the Son? He was holy, harmless, and undefiled. Heb. 7:26. He was equal with God. Phil. 2:6. He was in the glory and holiness of the Father. God after creation looked over the work of his hands and pronounced all very good. After the “transgression” he saw that all was very wicked. Now Jesus comes and presents to the Father one who has been redeemed by the all-atoning blood, and as God views him over he stands “holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight.” Halleluiah! Read Col. 1:21, 22. The redemption obtained through the blood of Jesus is perfect and complete. It makes us “complete in him.” Col. 2:10. Dear reader, this moment, with open heart before the all-seeing eye of God, does the Spirit witness clearly to your soul that you are “holy and without blame before him in love?” To be like Jesus includes only his holy nature. We are not to be like him in power to forgive sins, but in a holy life. We are to be thus like him in this present life; “because as he is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:17. In this world, we are to be like him in holiness. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, ‘Be ye holy; for I am holy.’ ” 1 Pet. 1:15, 16. God predestinated that we should be like him. He is holy, therefore he calls the believer unto holiness. When we are restored to the holy nature of God it will be our nature to be as merciful as he is merciful. “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:36. The mercy of God consists in showing favor unsolicited; in bestowing blessings upon the ungrateful. God in his mercy gave his Son to die for a wicked world. When we are made partakers of the divine nature, we go about showing favor and kindness to all; though men scorn us, revile us, and trample us down without mercy, we eagerly seize every opportunity to do them good.