Romans 8:18-22 (WEL) For I’ve come to the conclusion that the sufferings of this present time aren’t worth [comparing] with the glory that will be revealed to us. 19 Creation waits with intense expectation for the appearance of God’s children. 20 For creation was placed under futility, not willingly, but by him who placed it in hope. 21 That creation itself also will be delivered from [its] slavery to decay to enter the glorious liberty of God’s children.
V18 For I’ve come to the conclusion that the sufferings of this present time aren’t worth [comparing] with the glory that will be revealed to us.
We have sufferings, afflictions, sorrows, persecutions, etc., just like any person. Christians have persecution when we live a godly life and speak of Jesus reverently. Paul certainly had his, and what is Paul’s conclusion? “It is OK. I know what God has promised believers. I know my future.” Thus we Christians can rest in peace. Read of some of the blessings (Colossians 3:4, Philippians 3:21, and 1 John 3:2).
Paul knew personally some of the blessings (2 Corinthians 12:2). Paul most likely wrote Romans after 2 Corinthians (2 Corinthians ~55-56 AD and Romans ~57 AD).
V19 Creation waits with intense expectation for the appearance of God’s children.
All of creation is under the curse because of Adam’s sin. It too waits for redemption, which happens in the future (Revelation 21:1-8). God’s children are all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, from Adam and Eve to someone at the end of the Millennium.
V20 For creation was placed under futility, not willingly, but by him who placed it in hope.
Verse 20 and 21 are one thought. So, it would read…placed it in hope that creation…” The Greek word ἐλευθερία eleuthería (G1657) is translated “liberty” because freedom is a release from something and an internal attitude, while liberty is a permission still under accountability.
The curse of all of creation was a judicial judgment on the world because of Adam’s sin (Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:14-19, Romans 5:14, and 1 Corinthians 15:22).
God doesn’t place a curse on something unless He gives a warning of judgment, how to avoid judgment, and how to be redeemed from the judicial sentence. See Genesis 2:16-17, Jonah 3:4, and 1 Corinthians 5:7.
V21 That creation itself also will be delivered from [its] slavery to decay to enter the glorious liberty of God’s children.
Everything is in the process of dying and disintegrating. All people are addicted to sin. It is impossible not to sin. Believers have the hope and promises of liberty, which are found in the Bible.
We learn:
- The effects of sin.
- The promise of suffering ending in blessings for the believer in Jesus.
Questions:
- When you suffer, do you remind yourself of the future blessings in the future?
- Do you have hope for your future life in heaven?