Read: Romans 8:18-25
The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (v. 21)
The effects of sin in the world go far deeper than simply distorting our ability to choose well when confronted with decisions on how to live. They are broader than just the disruption of God’s relationship with humankind. The whole creation is affected by sin. Certainly Adam and Eve experienced a division between themselves that they had not known before they fell; they also experienced a separation from the God who made them. But even that isn’t the whole story. Human disobedience also triggered a curse on creation. “Cursed is the ground because of you,” God declared (Gen. 3:17).
Since the fall “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth” (Rom. 8:22). That groaning is not in vain, though, because God intends to bring a new creation to birth. That’s why when St. John peered past time into eternity he saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” and heard Jesus declare, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:1, 5). Creation, once declared “good” by God in the beginning, will experience the full redemption of God in the end. The whole creation will experience “the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom. 8:21). God’s redemptive purposes for the world include us but are so much bigger and broader and better.
As you pray, pray for the restoration of the whole creation, through Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Jonathon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, MI. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
