From Suffering to Glory
March 23, 2022
Commentary
Sin caused the creation to fall from its perfect state (vv. 18-21). As Christians we can see the world physically decaying and spiritually degenerating with this sin. However, we do not need to be pessimistic, because we have a blessed hope. Brighter days indeed lie ahead for the whole creation (Rev. 22:3), for a time is coming when the curse will be removed, and creation will be restored to its original splendor. We also will be resurrected with our glorified bodies, like the body Christ now has in heaven (I Cor. 15:25-28).
Paul says that our future glory with Christ will be so great that our present sufferings are insignificant in comparison (v. 8). Also, this glory will be forever, while the suffering in this life is temporary. Yes, God has cursed the physical creation as a part of His judgment on people for sin. Creation does not share in the provisions of grace. This deliverance will not be until the Millennium. Creation will experience groaning and travailing in birth pangs throughout this present age (vv. 22-25). As believers we have received the salvation of our souls, but we too groan in union with the groaning creation, as we wait to receive the redemption of our bodies and be fully like Him. Once we groaned in bondage, but now we groan in grace (vv. 26-28).
God has promised that a believer’s body will finally be delivered from sin, and those who have responded by faith to that promise have a confident expectation of that bodily redemption (Galatians 5:5). The redemption of the body (v. 23) obviously has not yet occurred but is eagerly anticipated.
Application
When I’m sick, and my body is literally groaning with pain, I have the blessed hope that one day my body will be delivered from the effects of sin. This should not only bring great comfort to me but is something I can share with others who know the Lord and are experiencing pain in their bodies.
Romans 8:18– 27 (NET)
18 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of God who subjected it—in hope 21 that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. 23 Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will.