Romans 8:19-21, A Time of Restoration
Romans 8:19-21 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
As a result of Adam’s fall, the entire creation was cursed. This is the record in Genesis 3:17-19 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
The ravages of sin plague not only humankind but also all animate and inanimate living creatures. Thorns and thistles grew from the ground and animals become carnivorous predators. It will continue until the time when Christ returns to restore order in His creation to the pre-fall Edenic state. There will be no more spiritual blindness, apostasy, crime and rebellion, debts, bankruptcies, greed or repossession of properties.
A time of restoration is coming upon the whole creation. The bondage of corruption as a result of sin will pass away. The Apostle Paul records it in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Also, in 1 Corinthians 15:52-54 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
At that time, Christ’s kingdom will be established on earth (Zech. 14:9, 16). Christians will rule with Christ in the Millennium (Rev. 20:6). Jerusalem will be the capital of the Millennial Kingdom. Satan will temporarily be bound during the 1000 years (Rev. 20:1-3). Man will live to ripe old age. The curse placed on the physical world removed with the earth, all is at peace (Isaiah 2:4). God’s people must live in eager anticipation and patience awaiting this glorious change. Amen.