In project planning, we consider the what is, the will be, and how to move from one to the other. Paul takes a similar outline in our next passage from Romans.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:18–25, CSB)
Everything, even the whole of creation, is subject to the futility of decay and death. The ultimate end is the redemption of our bodies in the resurrection and the renewal of the created order. Today, however, we live in hope of the completion. As one theologian put it, we live in the “already, but not yet fully here.” We are already saved, but the fullness of eternity remains a promise we long for with patient hope and expectation.
God doesn’t leave us to our own devices. “In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26–27, CSB) In this time between hope and completion, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
Our hope rests on the promises of God. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.” (Romans 8:28–30, CSB) God is working right now, working all things together for our good. God knew us before the beginning; He chose us to be called, conformed, justified, and glorified.
Romans Applied – And yet, we struggle and suffer in this time of hope between beginning and completion. We still suffer loss. We grieve, yet not as those without hope. We glorify Christ and testify of His love by willingly giving of ourselves for the sake of others. None of it is wasted; all is used for His glory and our good. Our bad days become God’s glory as we see and tell of God’s grace, peace, and guidance in them.
This is not a call to or an expectation of fatalism. That every bad thing isn’t bad or that God willed it. We live in a groaning creation. We still pray for God’s goodness to triumph in our struggles. We still strive to live in peace with others. We practice forgiveness and love with patience. It is, however, a recognition that God has called us, adopted us, saved us, and given us a hope. We often don’t see how things work together for our good in the moment. But later, we can look back and see how God worked and continues to work through those times.
The point is to hold on to hope. Hope in the future of eternity with Christ. Hope in the Spirit’s intercession. Hope in the hand of God working in our lives. Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
- Romans Applied – Between Hope and Completion - July 15, 2026
- Romans Applied – Spirit of Adoption - July 8, 2026
- Romans Applied – Set Free - July 1, 2026
