Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:23-25 NIV
It is not only the creation that Paul says is groaning in anticipation of the unveiling of God’s children. The children themselves are groaning in eager anticipation of our adoption to sonship. While we are now God’s children, while we live in the flesh we only experience a taste of what that will be like.
Paul here equates our adoption to sonship with the redemption of our bodies. As the creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay, so God’s children will also experience liberation from a body that is subject to decay and death. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, our bodies will be transformed and will put on immortality. We will become like Christ (1 John 3:2). Our future is not as disembodied spirits. Rather it involves the transformation of our bodies.
And that is the hope that we look forward to. A hope that we wait patiently for. The hope of our salvation. Hold onto that hope, and never let it be overshadowed by this present life, clothed in mortal flesh. Continue to groan, or yearn; waiting for your adoption.
