Romans 8 (Verses 18-25)

From Groaning to Glory

📖 Scripture (NRSVCE)

¹⁸ I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; ²⁰ for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; ²³ and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

---

✨Commentary

(vv.18–19) Present Suffering and Future Glory
Paul opens this section by comparing the suffering in this life to the glory that is yet to be revealed in the future life: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.” (v.18)

Paul does not dismiss suffering or minimize pain. He is saying that when suffering is placed on one side of the scale and future glory on the other, the weight of glory far outweighs it. Even though life can be hard, what God has in store far outweighs the pain of this life.

The phrase “this present time” refers to the fallen age — life lived between Christ’s resurrection and the final restoration. Paul contrasts that with the “glory about to be revealed,” pointing forward to resurrection life and full redemption. In verse 19, creation itself enters the picture: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.”

The phrase “eager longing” translates apokaradokia, a vivid word meaning to stretch the head forward in expectation. It pictures someone standing on tiptoe, stretching their neck out, and watching for something long-awaited. Creation is portrayed as waiting — not passively, but expectantly — for the moment when God’s redeemed people are fully revealed in glory. Paul presents creation as a co-victim of the Fall of man, which is 100% linked to the fate of humanity.

(vv.20–22) Creation’s Frustration and Groaning
Paul explains why creation is waiting: “For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.” (v.20) The word mataiotēs (“futility”) speaks of frustration, decay, and inability to reach intended purpose. Creation is not broken because of its own failure, but because of humanity’s fall in Genesis 3. When sin entered the world, its effects spread far beyond human hearts. Yet this subjection was “in hope.” God’s judgment was never meant to be the final word.

Verse 21 looks ahead: “Creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

The phrase “bondage to decay” is phthora, which describes corruption, deterioration, and death. Technically, what Paul describes here is the 2ed law of thermodynamics, entropy. Think of the 4 laws of thermodynamics as the rule book that govern the universe. The law of entropy basically says that the universe is moving from order to disorder. Since the fall of man, there has been a move, not in evolution, but de-evolution.

After Christ returns, there will come a time when not only people, but the created order itself will be liberated. We, as well as all of creation, await that day. This picture is painted beautifully in Revelation 21: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away… 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'See, the home of God is among mankind. He will dwell with them… he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”

In verse 22, Paul says: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.” This groaning is not the groan of death, but of childbirth. Labor pains are intense, but they point toward new life.

(vv.23–25) The Hope of Adoption and Redemption
Paul now brings the focus back to believers: “And not only the creation, but we ourselves… groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” (v.23) Though believers are already God’s children, adoption here refers to its final stage — the final unveiling of what we truly are. The Spirit has sealed us, but our bodies have not yet been transformed.

Paul talks about the “the first fruits of the Spirit”. Under the Old Testiment Law, when it was time for the harvest, the first fruits of grain, wine, and oil were offered to God. They were the beginning portion, and they signaled that there was more to come. We already possess the Spirit of God, but we do not yet possess everything that God will give us. We only have the first fruits…

The word “redemption” in verse 23 comes from apolytrōsis, meaning “release by payment” — often used to free slaves. This redemption includes the body itself, pointing to the resurrection. Verse 24 adds an important point: “For in hope we were saved.”

“Salvation is both a present reality and a future hope. As fallen humans, we are saved now, yet we wait for our bodies to be fully transformed. When will that happen? It could be in years, weeks, or perhaps after your very next breath.

Globally, over 174,000 people die every day—that is two people every second. Each one of them will meet their destiny. They will move either into glory or into condemnation; into the joy of God’s presence or an eternity apart from Him. It is a sobering thought. The decisions we make today carry eternal weight. Every single one of us will eventually move through this transition, one way or another.” We will enter into glory through death or via the second coming of Christ.

Paul writes, “Hope that is seen is not hope.” In English, the word hope is weak and uncertain. However, the biblical hope is not wishful thinking. It is confident expectation rooted in God’s promise. The Greek word used here for home is elpis. This word always carries a certainty, complete assurance, and a confident expectation.

Verse 25 concludes: “If we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” The word “patience” comes from the Greek word hypomonē. It means a steadfast endurance — not passive waiting, but faithful perseverance under pressure. Christian hope does not escape suffering. It stands firm within it, anchored in what God has promised to finish. We look ahead to a glorious future and keep our eyes fixed on that as we walk through pain and suffering in this life. How horrible is it to be lost and without that future hope. …without that inner strength that God gives to to us that carries us through hard times. I pray that everyone might experience that joy and that eternal hope. If you are a believer, you need to pray, pray, pray. Pray for your friends, your family, and the people that you don’t like. Pray for everyone to receive this eternal redemption — and eternity with Jesus!

---

🕊️ Reflection

Romans 8:18–25 lifts our eyes beyond what we can see and feel in the present moment. Pain, loss, decay, and even death are real parts of life in a fallen world, yet they are not the final word. Creation itself groans under the weight of sin, waiting for the day when God restores what was broken. Believers groan as well — not in despair, but in hope — because we know something far greater is coming.

The Spirit within us is the first fruits, a living assurance that redemption has already begun. Though our bodies remain weak and mortal, our future is secure. One day, suffering will give way to glory, decay will give way to renewal, and faith will give way to a new reality. Until that day, we wait with endurance — not because life is easy, but because God is faithful. Our hope rests not in circumstances, but in the certainty that Christ will finish what He has begun.

---

🙏 Prayer

Father God, Thank You for the hope You have given us through Your Spirit. When life feels heavy and the world around us seems broken, remind us that our suffering is temporary and Your glory is eternal. Strengthen our hearts as we wait for the redemption of our bodies and the restoration of all things. Help us to endure with faith, patience, and trust in Your promises. And Lord, place a burden on our hearts for those who do not yet know You, that they too may receive this eternal hope and the life found only in Jesus. In the powerful work of Jesus, Amen!