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redeeming grace. This is the moment to point out that we ourselves are suffering
that creation is anticipating. Why is also. “And not only they, but ourselves
creation anxiously awaiting this event? also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
Paul gives us the reason in the verses even we ourselves groan within ourselves”
that follow. (v23). The reference to “the firstfruits of the
A literal English translation of the Spirit” is to the fact that, as believers, we
Nestle Text reads, “For the creation are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This fact is
was subjected to vanity, not willingly, God’s pledge of our future blessing. But, in
but because of the (one) subjecting it,
in hope, because [or, that] even the the meanwhile, we also are experiencing the
creation itself will be freed from the effects of Adam’s fall. We experience aches
slavery of corruption to the freedom of and pains and the deterioration of the body.
the glory of the children of God” (Rom However, Paul indicates that we are “waiting
8:20,21). Paul is stating that creation is for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of
suffering the consequences of Adam’s our body.”
fall. The idea conveyed by the word Although the moment we trusted Christ
“vanity” is “failure to achieve its full we were saved, God hasn’t finished with
potential.” After Adam sinned, God us yet. God created man as “spirit, soul and
cursed the ground on account of Adam’s body” (1Th 5:23) and intends to save the
transgression (Gen 3:17-19). This is complete man. “For we have been saved in
what is meant by the clause “because
of the (one) subjecting it.” It would be hope; but hope seen is not hope; for what any
incongruous for a fallen man to have one sees, why does he also hope?” (Rom 8:24
dominion over a perfect creation. The JND). Paul is saying that when God saved
words “in hope” properly belong with us, it was just the beginning of His plans for
verse 21, which should be translated “in us; He has much more in store for us than
hope that even the creation itself will be that. Our salvation was in hope, or prospect,
freed from the slavery of corruption to of a glorious future. But if we could already
the freedom of the glory of the children see the future, we would have nothing to
of God.” When the Lord returns to look forward to. “But if we hope for what
establish His Millennial Kingdom, and we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with
the sons of God are put on display, at perseverance” (v25 NKJV). “Hope” in the
that time the curse will be lifted from Bible is never a doubtful thing. It expresses
creation, and it will enter into “the something that is absolutely certain, but it is
freedom of the glory of the children of
God.” still future. If we went through life without
Then Paul adds, “For we know that the experiencing any problems, we might
whole creation groaneth and travaileth become very content with this life. But when
in pain together until now” (v22). Ever we have to pass through trials, it fills us with
since Adam’s disastrous fall into sin, the yearning for our future prospects. Trials
creation has slowly deteriorated. The give us the quality of endurance. Paul writes
mountains are crumbling, the earth is in Romans 5:3,4, “Tribulation produces
experiencing the effects of earthquakes perseverance; and perseverance, character;
and volcanic events, etc. Paul goes on and character, hope” (NKJV).

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