Romans 8:23 – And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
We now continue our study of chapter eight. As we noted earlier, scholars find this portion of scripture very difficult to fully explain. Several points (for instance, Paul’s definition of ‘creation’) have been interpreted differently by different commentators. 
However, regardless of the finer points of interpretation, we can clearly see the overall scope and purpose of chapter eight - the apostle reveals the power of the gospel and its ability to do what the law could not:
- In verses 1-13, he proved that the gospel could give life and deliver mankind from condemnation. These were obviously things the law could not do.
- In verses 14-17, Paul revealed the power of the gospel as it produces a spirit of adoption in us; we become children of the Most High God and we are recipients of all his blessings. This is in opposition to the law, which brought us terror when we tried to approach God.
- In verses 18-25, we discover that Holy Spirit (only available under the gospel) sustains the soul during our earthly trials/tribulations by providing us with a sure hope of future deliverance from sin. This final deliverance will be evident when we receive the complete redemption of our bodies (when Christ raises us from the dead and changes our bodies so they are fit for life in heaven).
- In verses 26-27, we will see the strength and aid given to us by Holy Spirit to sustain us in our trials and tribulations. This stands in opposition to the law, which was powerless to assist us.
- In verses 28-30 Paul gives us the assurance that all things work together for our good, since all things are connected to the purposes of God. Our circumstances and experiences are part of God’s plan to save us and make us fruitful in his kingdom.
So, without further ado, let’s finish this section by examining verses 23-25.
GENERAL SUMMARY: All those who have placed their trust in Christ have become the adopted children of God. As such, we have received a portion of the gifts and blessings of Holy Spirit.
Yet each Christian continues to have a sincere, heart-felt longing for the full scope of our adoption/deliverance to be revealed. This will happen at the end of the age, when Christ raises all his children from the dead and transforms their earthly bodies into bodies fit for life in the next age (life in heaven).
DIGGING DEEPER: And not only creation: As we mentioned in the last post, verses 18-23 are difficult to understand and subject to numerous interpretations. For example, the word ‘creation’ is defined in a number of different ways including the earth (rocks & minerals, plants, animals), Jews, Gentiles, angels or even believers.
However, regardless of how you choose to define it, Paul’s point is that creation groans in anticipation of the day when Jesus will return and deliver his children from the bondage of sin. The apostle goes on to say that ‘creation’ is not the only thing that is groaning – Christians do too.
But we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit: Here we find yet another difficulty in the interpretation of this passage. What does Paul mean by the word ‘ourselves’? Does he refer specifically to the apostles, or does he refer to all Christians, because we all have the first fruits of the Spirit in our lives? For the purposes of our study, we will take the position that he means all Christians.
Now let’s talk about first-fruits. Scripture has a lot to say about this subject. Basically, a first-fruit is the first of anything in any realm of life. The first-fruits belonged to God:
Exodus 22:29 - You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits, and of the outflow of your presses: the firstborn of your sons shall you give unto me.
Exodus 23:19 - The first of the first-fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God…
The first portions of crops, grains, fruit, oil, wool, animals and even male children were collected and consecrated to God. There were different rules governing the treatment of these offerings. Some were given to the priests as part of their provision (Deuteronomy 18:1-8), some were 
burned on the altar to God (Leviticus 2:8-9) and some (all male children and some animals) were redeemed (Exodus 13:13). If the owner decided not to redeem an animal, he was required to kill it by breaking its neck (Exodus 13:13, Exodus 34:20).
What was the significance of the first-fruit offerings?
Well, obviously they helped to provide for the priesthood. But their significance goes far beyond just that. People brought a portion of their first-fruits to the Lord as an acknowledgment that he is the source and giver of all blessings. These offerings were a visible token of the gratitude and thankfulness of the Israelites for God’s provision.
In addition, the first-fruits also served as a token or a pledge of what was to come. For example, the first ripe wheat was given to God as an act of faith that the rest of the crop was soon to follow. This is the sense in which Paul uses the phrase first-fruits in this passage.
Specifically, the apostle indicates that right now we enjoy a limited measure the gifts, graces and comforts of Holy Spirit (righteousness, joy, peace, etc). But this is only a first or partial blessing – we can expect to receive much, much more in the next life. Thus, the blessings of the Spirit which we currently enjoy are the first-fruits (token or pledge) of what we can expect in the next age.
Groan inwardly: Those who belong to Christ inwardly groan under the sin and afflictions of this life, longing for the day when they will come into their full inheritance from the Lord. This groaning reflects a strong, deep, internal desire within our hearts to be released from the effects of sin in this life.
As we wait eagerly for adoption as sons: We are officially adopted by God when we are redeemed, but as you know, we have not yet experienced the full depth and scope of our rights and privileges as his children. That fullness will only be manifested when Christ returns at the end of this age.
The redemption of our bodies: Question: Why does Paul place such an emphasis on the redemption of our physical bodies?
Answer: The redemption of our bodies can only occur when we have perfect, complete deliverance from sin.
Right now, our adoption has an effect upon our soul and spirit but our bodies are still fully subjected to corruption (sickness, disease, aging, death). Since the redemption of our physical bodies can only occur when we have complete deliverance from sin, it is the redemption of the body that proves the whole man (body, soul and spirit) has been redeemed.
Therefore, our final adoption will be evident when our bodies are raised from the grave, changed, and made immortal/fit for our existence in heaven. Only then will the entire person be restored from the evils of sin and consequences of the fall. This occurs when Christ returns to earth for the rapture.
Romans 8:24 – For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
GENERAL SUMMARY: We have both a desire and an expectation of a final redemption. According to the promises of God (which never fail), this redemption belongs to us right now. Yet, at this very moment we do not possess it; we still hope for it. One day, it will be ours. On that day, redemption will cease to be our hope – it will be our possession.
DIGGING DEEPER: For in this hope: As we already noted, hope consists of two parts – a desire for something and the realistic expectation of obtaining what we desire.
Christians hope for a final redemption and subsequent admittance to heaven. Our salvation is described as hope because we have not yet obtained it.
This hope is a powerful thing; the hope of a future in heaven as the adopted children of God supports and strengthens us as we bear the trials and afflictions of this life. Thus, the Christian can rejoice in the midst of their trials, because we know that our hope is not in vain; we will one day receive all the privileges of being a son or daughter of God.
We were saved: We have the assurance of Holy Spirit that we are saved:
Ephesians 1:13 - In whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise,
(See also II Corinthians 1:22, Romans 8:16). As of right now, our final redemption is still a hope or a promise because we have not yet received it. We have a certainty of receiving it, but it is not yet within our grasp. Therefore, we are saved by or in hope. 
Now hope that is seen is not hope: Think of it this way: When you were a child you probably hoped to receive a particular, special gift each Christmas. You knew your parents or grandparents were going to buy it for you. Maybe it was a video game or a doll or even a puppy. All summer long, you anticipated receiving that special thing.
Finally, when Christmas morning arrived and the presents were opened, you got the item you had been yearning for. At that moment, you no longer hoped for that thing, because you possessed it.
In the same way Christians have hope for final redemption and the fulfillment of all the blessings of being an adopted child of God. As we toil through this life, we continue to hope for these things. In times of trial, our hope sustains and comforts us.
One fine day, the rapture of the saints will occur. Jesus will return to earth, raise the dead, give all his children new bodies which are completely free of sin, and take us to heaven to spend eternity with him. At that point, we will no longer hope for redemption because it will be our possession.
For who hopes for what he sees: By definition you cannot hope for what you actually possess because the expectation of receiving it has been fulfilled.
Romans 8:25 – But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
GENERAL SUMMARY: Christians of every generation wait patiently for the day when we will receive our final redemption.
DIGGING DEEPER: But if we hope for what we do not see we wait for it with patience: God is completely trustworthy. He always keeps his promises. As Christians we have a sure guarantee that one day, when the time is right, God will return and give us full redemption.
Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
No matter what happens in this life, Christians have a sure expectation of resurrection from the dead, of receiving a new body, of perfection and of glorification in heaven, along with all the joy and satisfaction we will experience there.
By default, these blessings are future; there will be a delay before we receive them. Nevertheless, we can patiently endure the trials and tribulations of this life knowing that God is faithful to do all that he has promised. The sure hope of receiving God’s promises makes our current waiting period bearable.
Hebrews 6:11-12 - And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
It has often been remarked that hope is a universal blessing and one of the greatest gifts God has given to mankind because without it, life would be intolerable. Truly, hope is just as necessary as faith in the Christian walk. Mankind finds life, with its various trials, pressures, afflictions and injustice, to be endurable only because of the sure hope of enjoying a future state of blessing in the end. In fact, faith, hope and patience go hand-in-hand.
Let me offer you some encouragement:
In today’s post, we talked about patiently waiting for our final redemption. What does that look like? Patience is defined as undergoing trials without murmuring or fretting.
I don’t know about you, but that is often a problem for me! It’s one thing to wait, its another thing entirely to wait without complaining or anxiety.
Fortunately, we have Holy Spirit and the promises of God’s word to help us. Instead of complaining or being anxious when you face your next problem, try responding to that situation with a promise from the Bible. It will improve your situation and help you wait for your redemption with patience.
Let me offer you some relief and strength:
Sometimes, in the struggle of day-to-day life we naturally focus on the here and now instead of the bigger picture. But the next time you are overwhelmed with cares and problems, try meditating on the promises of redemption – a new perfect body, an existence without sin and its deadly effects, the joys of heaven and the thought of spending eternity with Jesus in the presence of Father God, etc. These thoughts will move your focus off your problems and into God, where you can find relief and strength for your journey.