Romans 8.2 (vv. 18-23)

I'm writing a series of articles on the book of Romans, which, as you know, is one of the more difficult and controversial books of the New Testament. This is not going to be a verse-by-verse analysis by any means, but I will write a lengthy article on each chapter of this sixteen-chapter book. I hope that you find this helpful.

I'm going to spend a little more time on chapter eight, being that it is the most challenging of all sixteen chapters, in my opinion...

In today's article, let's focus on Romans 8:18-23. First, let's read the passage together: "For I consider the suffering of this present tme are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the cration was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption in to the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan, within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of the body."

Some things in this passage are clear. For example, it is clear that Paul is talking about the last day upon which Christ will return with all the angels (the sons of God, vv. 19). That day will be one of redemption and glory (vv. 18, 21, 23). It is also clear that there is a certain sense of anxiety regarding the final day of redemption, for the bondage that we all endure because of sin will come to an end; freedom from this bondage will be achieved on that day.

The main question here in this passsage is, what or who is the creation?

Some have conjectured that the creation here is the earth, and that when Jesus returns, the earth will be transformed into its initial state of paradise and glory. Because of sin, the paradise of Eden and the perfection of that world came to an end, but finally, its former glory will be restored. This theory fits will with Premillennial theology, the theology of Jehovah's Witnesses, and with the general belief of "paradise earth," but it runs into problems when you try to harmonize it with such passages as 2 Peter 3 which plainly teaches that the earth will be destroyed.

Another idea, and this is the position of Adam Clarke, is that the creation here is the Gentile world. This theory fits the context of Romans which pertains to the Jewish and Gentile controversy. Adam Clark points out in his commentary that the Gentile world was subjected to futility (vv. 20) when they erected the tower of Babel in Genesis 11, a sign of their wickedness and idolatry. Those Gentiles who embraced Christ, along with the believing Jews, would experience the glory of redemption. The Jews have no special right to redemption. It is for the Gentiles as well. That is the theory set forth by Adam Clarke.

And Adam Clarke's theory seems to be right. It DOES fit the context of Romans, and it makes the most sense. I admit, though, that this is a difficult text.

What are your thoughts on this passage? What is the creation?