Guarantee of Glory

This twenty-first message from Romans focuses on the hope of our glorification. Though facing great afflictions, the anticipation of CREATION is that it will be set free from corruption in the new earth, so it eagerly longs and waits for the sons of God to be manifested (physically unveiled) first. Creation had been adjudicated (sentenced) to vanity and emptiness in the curse - a severe limitation from its original design. But liberation is coming, when it will be set free from its corruption. In the mean-time, it is lamenting, suffering the pains of childbirth with great groaning. All CHRISTIANS also groan - though they have the first fruits of the Spirit (having been justified and being sanctified), they groan, waiting for their adoption as sons, the redemption of their bodies (to be glorified). Their assurance of deliverance is based on the confident expectation of salvation, and thus in this confident hope they eagerly wait on God. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit gives critical assistance, helping our weakness amid suffering by faithfully interceding for all believers.