Creation's Groaning -Romans 8:19-22

“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.” (Romans 8:19-22)

Verses 17-18 looked at the glorification which lies ahead after we suffer but a little while in this fallen world. The next few verses look at the process of our waiting for it to be accomplished. Clearly, from the text it is an anxious longing and an eager waiting. I know it is in my own heart – come quickly Lord Jesus!

Even creation itself is longing for future glory. “For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly….” “For creation was subjected to futility….” “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers….” The fall doesn’t satisfy it just leaves us longing for something more. “That must needs be a great and a transcendent glory, which all the creatures are so earnestly expecting and longing for” (Henry).

Mr. Henry offers 4 observations from the text:

1. “There is a present vanity to which the creature, by reason of the sin of man is made subject." – For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him, who subjected it…(vs 20).

In Genesis 3 we see the curse of the fall extending to all of creation. “We have reason to pity the poor creatures that for our sin have become subject to vanity.” The ground is cursed, thorns grow, weeds appear, weakness swallows strength, sickness comes on the scene and death is the destiny of all. There’s nothing pretty about the effects of sin –nothing! Yet, we are all subjected to it. We are in slavery to its corruption.

“The creation is sullied and stained, much of the beauty of the world is gone. And it is not the least part of their bondage that they are used, or abused rather, by men as instruments of sin.” (Henry). Oh, How beautiful will the renewed earth be after the consummation of the ages?

2. “The creatures groan and travail in pain together under this vanity.” For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. (vs 22)

“Sin is a burden to the whole creation and there is a general outcry of the whole creation against the sin of man.” (Henry). O that I would hate sin all the more as I look at its destructive effects on this world.

3. “The creature shall be delivered in due time.” The creation will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

A new heavens and a new earth is coming. Renewal is on the way. Freedom from the curse will appear. Slavery will be abolished. That which Adam wronged will be righted.

4. “The creature does therefore earnestly expect the revealing of these things.” For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.

There is much chaff. There are many weeds. Creation longs, beyond that it groans for the consummation of the age. I groan too!

Longing for things to be as they ought,

Waiting for things to be as they will,

Lori