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Romans 8:22
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Jesus himself says that the image of birth can be used as a metaphor for the transition from this present age into the age of Jesus' Messianic reign over the earth in glory (see Matthew 24:3-13). Before the dawn of the first day in the Heavenly Kingdom on earth, there will be a growing darkness that only Christ's light-bearing return will scatter. So, Paul says, even up until now (i.e. after Jesus has already come as a babe in Bethlehem) the creation has been groaning. The groaning has not stopped since Jesus has come; it has only become more pronounced as God's eternal plan to glorify Himself in history continues to be revealed. God's plan of redemption is cosmic in its scope; humbling to think that He would not only include us but clue us in to His purposes! (See also Ephesians 3:7-13)
Bookmarked 9 months ago.
Romans 8:21
21thatOr subjected it in hope. 21 For the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
21thatOr subjected it in hope. 21 For the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
When the children of God are joined with Christ at His return we will receive 'spiritual bodies' that are incorruptible and glorious like Jesus's own resurrection body (Philippians 3:20-21, 1 John 3:2). Another way of describing this is that we will be clothed with glory (2 Corinthians 5, 1 Corinthians 15). There is a deep hope and eager anticipation that this should stir in us. So, what does obtaining 'the freedom of the glory of the children of God' mean for creation? There is a mystery here that we won't be able to pierce this side of Kingdom-life and yet freedom, peace, righteousness, beauty, life, joy -- all things true of our future state in glory -- are spoken of concerning the new heavens and new earth that we await (Revelation 21). God Himself will dwell among us there -- what want or need could we conceivably have in light of this promise? It will be quite a show and the greatest celebration that will have ever been seen among all created beings, that is for sure.
Bookmarked 9 months ago.
Romans 8:20
20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
The theme of hope in Romans comes to the forefront in this chapter, though Abraham's example of hope is seen in chapter 5 (go read it!). But does Paul want us to have no hope for and in this present world at all? It seems clear that the 'futility' that God brought about within the created realm because of Adam's sin ('cursed is the ground because of you') will *not* be reversed until its complete transformation at the resurrection of believers. It seems that the curse on creation was meant (as with so many of God's judgments) to bring repentance and forcefully remind us that all is not well in the universe; the curse won't be fully reversed until sin and death have ceased their reign. Hope 'does not put us to shame', however, because the power of sin and death has been overcome by Christ! Now our life's aim can be directed at better things -- the eternal weight of glory promised by God to those who wait for Him as citizens of a heavenly Kingdom. Some might say that this is an escapist mentality, but this kind of hope is said (and seen in so many saints) to come only in the midst of steadfast perseverance and faith (Romans 5:1-5). Hope in Christ and in heaven will only grow as we endure suffering and learn to faithfully steward our lives in this present world.
Bookmarked 9 months ago.
Romans 8:19
19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
Paul has in mind the complete plan of salvation from beginning to end -- from Fall to Glory. The creation has been awaiting its full redemption since Adam and Eve sinned and brought the curse upon not only humans but even the created order itself (Genesis 3:17-19). We are in the aftermath of Jesus's incarnation, death, resurrection, and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon believers--signs that God's kingdom has come and is coming to the earth. 'The old has passed away', and finally the new has come -- new life in the Spirit, a new hope in the resurrection of our bodies, and a new day of victory for the children of God who were captive to sin and will still experience death (unless the Lord comes before we die). The next few verses will show very clearly that the groaning of creation hasn't ceased, but rather become more pronounced as it awaits the completion of the redemption that started and will be completed upon Christ's return. The creation waits for the revealing of the children of God because it is only at the resurrection that God in His glory -- Jesus Christ our Lord -- will dwell among all created things, seated on the throne amidst the New Jerusalem (see Rev. 21).
Bookmarked 9 months ago.
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