Romans 8:18-27

Romans 8:18-Daniel : . The Birth-Pangs of Immortality.

Romans 8:18 . These “ present sufferings” are “ light beyond comparison, in view of the glory awaiting us at the coming revelation.” “ The destined glory” is hidden under a fleshly veil (see Romans 8:10, Php_3:21 , Colossians 3:3 f.; also 1 John 3:2).

Romans 8:19 ; Romans 8:22 . With this mystery “ all creation is pregnant, in strained expectancy awaiting the revelation of the sons of God, sighing and groaning in travail-pains.”

Romans 8:23 . Though “ sons of God,” having “ the Spirit as a first-fruit” of our estate, we “ await a” further “ adoption,” viz. “ the redemption of our body” ( cf. 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:14; Ephesians 4:30).

Romans 8:20 f. “ From no will of its own, the creation has been blighted and baulked— with hope, however, that it will be delivered from its bondage to decay,” to share “ the liberty” and shine in “ the glory of God’ s children.” This apocalypse brings the world of Nature, as Romans 5:12-Ecclesiastes : brought the world of History, into the scope of Christ’ s redemption.

Romans 8:24 f. “ We are far from seeing” this “ emancipation” ( cf. Hebrews 2:8); but “ hope” forecasts “ the not-seen” and sustains endurance.

Romans 8:26 f. Meanwhile “ our weakness” is helped through “ prayer” prompted by “ the” indwelling Spirit.”—“ In like fashion moreover” : for “ the Spirit’ s speechless sighings” are in concert with the sighings of our hearts and of creation around us ( Romans 8:22 f.). Paul and his readers discern a Mind beneath their own consciousness ( cf. Romans 8:16), prompting inexpressible heavenward longings. God interprets “ the Spirit’ s pleadings on the saints’ behalf,” for He is their source. True prayer is the mystic utterance, Divinely prompted, of the soul of man and nature.