18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing 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 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And 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. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

In this passage of Scripture, Paul talks about how we as believers, have a certain hope in our future glorification. This passage gives us four hopes that we will have realized when we are glorified in Heaven.

1. We have hope in our current bondage (v. 18-22)

a. The bondage of suffering will pass (v.18) – Even though we will suffer in life, it will pass. And in our glorification in Heaven, the suffering that we went through on earth will be a distant memory. According to Romans 5:3, suffering brings perseverance which brings character which gives hope. This hope will be realized and our suffering will pass. We have hope in our current bondage in that these days living in a fallen world will pass.

b. The bondage of creation will pass (v.19-22) – Why does creation wait in eager expectation for the sons of God to be redeemed? Because Scripture tells us that all of creation, along with mankind, was subjected to the curse of the fall. Therefore, creation – animals, plants, and the earth itself is seeking to be liberated from the bondage that man’s sin has placed on it. Don’t forget that along with childbirth, God placed a curse on the earth itself (Gen. 3:17). Why are their tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters? The main reason for these terrible atrocities is because of sin’s effect in creation itself, further evidence that we live in a fallen world. In verse 22, it is interesting that Paul uses the curse of childbirth to rely how the earth itself is feeling, thus the two curses that God placed on mankind have some type of relationship. The good news is that we can have hope, as can creation, that when we reach Heaven, even the earth will be released from bondage.

II. We have hope in our future restoration (v.23-25)

a. Our bodies will be restored (v.23) – Our spirit also groans for the time of redemption. Many Christians, especially later in life, because of the effect in living in a fallen world, coupled with the blessed hope of seeing Jesus face to face, yearn to be in God’s presence. This sinful body that is subject to decay will miraculously be resurrected into a new glorified body when Christ conquers the earth. We have hope that our bodies will be restored.

b. Our souls will be restored (v.24-25) – We were saved in this hope. The word ‘hope’ typically carries a different meaning in our language. It carries the meaning of imagining or wishfully thinking and desiring something. However, the biblical definition of this word means for of having a definite faith in that something will happen. Therefore, when we use the word hope, it is more then vain, English-language hope that is mentioned in today’s world. Indeed, this faith-filled hope was what enabled us to be saved (“For in this hope we were saved”). Paul then states that hope that is what is seen is no hope at all. Therefore, with our hope we wait patiently for our souls to be saved and experience eternal life with our Creator. We have hope that our souls will be restored.