Heaven is awaiting your response

Romans 8:18-25

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 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. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And 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. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

From the beginning of time all of creation and all the heavenly hosts has had their eye on the sons and daughters of God.

Let’s go back to the beginning of time and take a look at what Paul is referring to. Gen 1:26-28

We see in the beginning of the bible that God begins to create and form the stars, the earth and all of the creatures in and on the earth.

English Standard Version Chapter 1

26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

27 So God created man in his own image,

in the image of God he created him;

male and female he created them.

28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

We see that in vs 26 we see the trinity present saying let’s make man in our image.

Next time you look in the mirror and you don’t like what you see, know that thought comes from the pit of hell. You are created in the very image and likeness of God.

Don’t discredit yourself. God made you just the way you are on purpose for a purpose.

Vs 28 Through covenant relationship, God has given us dominion over the whole earth.

We see Adam and Eve give up their authority by partaking of the forbidden fruit and disobeying God.

There were two options in the garden. One that leads to life and one that leads to death.

English Standard Version Chapter 8

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 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. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And 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. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Vs 18 & 19. The word revealed and revealing in greek is apokalyptō which means TO REVEAL or to cause something to be fully known, disclosed or revealed.

Paul is saying that there is suffering that we understand and know but it’s nothing compared to the Glory that is becoming fully known.

Vs 19 goes on to say that creation is waiting for the sons of God to be fully known. But why is creation waiting?

Read vs 20-21 We see that creation was also effected by our sin and is waiting to be set free.

Read Vs 23-25. This is our inheritance. That even though we live in a fallen world there will be a day that we stand before our Savior.

God has already set the stage for you. It’s your turn to walk it out.

Turn to Colossians 1:15-23

Colossians 1:15–23

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Col 1:15–23.

what will your response be to heaven call?

Luke 9:18–20 (ESV): Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”