"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:23-25)
The problem I see with most people, even Christians, or especially Christians, is that we are more concerned with the journey than with the final destination. When our eyes are fixed on the evils along the way, we forget what awaits when we arrive. If we just learn to believe God and accept that evil is necessary, but temporary, we begin to see people differently along the way, and start to see the destination…the place where mankind arrives safely in the arms of a loving Father, changed in part by the journey, but finished to perfection by the Master craftsman before the Great White Throne.
So how can we love the God who subjected His creation to suffering and futility on the journey? Because we have been told in the Scripture about the sequel, the destination, and yes the deliverance of all creation and the redemption of all, and the immortality of a perfect new body….Yes, I believe the Bible… all things are working for good!
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (mankind) according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God - all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28)
Theologians have told us that God only works things out for good for those who love God. THAT IS NOT WHAT PAUL IS SAYING. He is saying that ONLY those who love God SEE that even though God subjects His creation to "futility" and suffering, he is working it out for the good of ALL....and eventually the whole creation will be "set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (8:20-21)
The problem I see with most people, even Christians, or especially Christians, is that we are more concerned with the journey than with the final destination. When our eyes are fixed on the evils along the way, we forget what awaits when we arrive. If we just learn to believe God and accept that evil is necessary, but temporary, we begin to see people differently along the way, and start to see the destination…the place where mankind arrives safely in the arms of a loving Father, changed in part by the journey, but finished to perfection by the Master craftsman before the Great White Throne.
So how can we love the God who subjected His creation to suffering and futility on the journey? Because we have been told in the Scripture about the sequel, the destination, and yes the deliverance of all creation and the redemption of all, and the immortality of a perfect new body….Yes, I believe the Bible… all things are working for good!
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (mankind) according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God - all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:26-28)
Theologians have told us that God only works things out for good for those who love God. THAT IS NOT WHAT PAUL IS SAYING. He is saying that ONLY those who love God SEE that even though God subjects His creation to "futility" and suffering, he is working it out for the good of ALL....and eventually the whole creation will be "set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God." (8:20-21)