Romans 8:19

For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the revealing of the sons of God. "earnest expectation" -'anxious longing' (NASV). This phrase is made up of three Greek words, and speaks of one waiting with the head raised looking at the horizon from which the expected thing will come. (McGuiggan p. 255).

-Watching with head stretched away from the body like one leading far out to get the first glimpse of something coming into sight.

-Denotes absorbed, persistent expectation (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 649).. waiting in suspense (Vincent p. 92). The whole creation is on tiptoe to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.' (Phillips)

"Waiteth" -to wait it out (Thayer), i.e. to keep waiting until the expected actually appears. The words are strong, indeed: the head stretched forward in intense watching, waiting and never tiring or desisting until the thing waited for appears. (Lenski p. 532)

"creation" -2937. ktisis ktis'-is; from 2936; original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively): -building, creation, creature, ordinance.

-'creature' (KJV).

The main question among commentators is what is the "creation" that Paul has in mind. Various views:

1. The 'New Creation', i.e. the Church:

The same word is used in describing the Christian as 'a new creature' (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15). And yet the "creature/creation" in Romans 8:19. is distinguished from the children of God. (Romans 8:19)

2. The rest of humanity:

The same word is also used of 'every creature', i.e. every person (Mark 16:15; Colossians 1:23; Hebrews 4:13). Zerr has an interesting comment in his commentary, "Every man (though some unconsciously) wants something better than he is enjoying in his frail, decaying body. Paul calls the state that is thus yearned for the manifestation of the sons of God." (p. 362) And yet, McGuiggan argues, "It cannot be the unforgiven for they will not be revealed in glory nor were they subjected to bondage by another's will (Romans 8:20). And neither can they be said to be eagerly waiting for the coming day." (p. 255) Yet,. believe what Zerr says is true.. believe that everyone 'longs' for what Heaven will provide (Revelation 21:4). The problem is, they seek to find "heaven" now, they refuse to trust God, and they turn to sinful pleasures that provide them. temporary "escape" from this world.

3. The 'creation' is the creation (excluding man):

This is. common view held by many commentators. The usual explanation is, 'The earth that was put under. curse (Genesis 3:17 ff; Genesis 5:29) because of man's sin (Romans 8:20) will be liberated at the time when God's sons will be liberated in. glorious fashion. Our bodies and the earth have close ties. Glory will be given to both. Physical death and suffering entered into man's existence; thorns and thistles (some would add storms, earthquakes and natural disasters) became the lot of the innocent earth.'

Some would say, 'How can it be said that the physical creation "groans"?' (Romans 8:22) Some point out that often in the O.T., God has the physical creation sympathizing with man. (Psalms 98:8; Isaiah 2:12; Ezekiel 2:15; Isaiah 2:5). The physical creation has often paid. price for man's sin. (Genesis 7:23)

If this view is correct, then Paul is here saying, 'You and the creation are looking for the same thing', i.e. release from this physical existence. Some commentators make the mistake of thinking that these verses are teaching that the physical universe will simply be "renewed" or "renovated". But such is not the case (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 20:11; Revelation 21:1) At the resurrection the Christian will be released from his physical body and fitted with. new spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:42), and the 'creation' will be released from it's physical existence.

"the revealing of the sons of God" -'when the (glory of) the sons of God shall be revealed.' (Con) When the children of God, when all the redeemed of the ages, having been resurrected, are revealed in their final glory. (1 John 3:2; Romans 8:17 'gloried with Him')

How the creation came to this waiting state: