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Commentaries
English
Romans
  
8. The three unique groanings
(Romans 8:18-27)
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.19For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;21because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.


Paul was not satisfied with his faith and his love to God, but he reached forward to the riches of our hope in God. Do you expect the revelation of the glory of God? Is this the aim of your life? Do not be satisfied with the solution of your small problems, for the design of God is to redeem the whole world. Expect the greatest present of God, that is, the regeneration of the whole creation.
Animals suffer, and the grass passes away. Woe to the man who causes pain to animals. Did you notice that the eyes of animals are closed and are filled with sorrow? This is because they are mortal. Joy has left them, and loneliness and trouble have appeared. All animals look forward to the manifestation of the glory of the sons of God, for by the coming of the Lord, his children, who are born of his Spirit, will be delivered from the body of their suffering, and his glory will be revealed in them. Then, all creatures will be saved. In that age, no donkey will be beaten angrily, and no mosquito will hurt those who are asleep. God has promised us complete peace on earth, which will be accomplished at the second coming of Christ with all his saints and angels. Do you long for him?
Nature has been suffering since the fall of man, for by the corruption of man, his office and everything under his authority was corrupted. Paul expresses the suffering of creation as the extreme pain of childbirth, which brings the Son of God nearer to us, for he suffers with us and with every animal. He wants to come as near as possible for the salvation of all.