Question:
Who suffers in Romans 8:19-23
Apostle Paul talks about the glory that is to be revealed comparing to the present sufferings. So in vs.18 he says: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
The “us” refers to those who were considered justified through the faith in Jesus Christ and were changed in the inner man, but they wait to be transformed also in the outside. The same the creation suffers, because it was subjected to futility, not wilingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. The whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we, Christians, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. In Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to his disciples:
“Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
The creation, as well we Christians are waiting for the transformation/renewal of everything. Unlike all creation of God, God’s children have the fruit of the Spirit presence and work of the Holly Spirit in the Christian’s life.
Translated by Olga Dron