Results for "the_fall"
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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.
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