Romans 8:18-25
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Ok, much to discuss here. Let me first say that not all Christians misquote this verse, and by verse, I mean the part that says, “children of God to be revealed” and “glory of the children of God”. Most Christians who use that out of context are the prosperity gospel preachers. Why? Because a lot of prosperity preachers use the phrase “for the children of God to manifest” means for them, for God’s people, Christians, believers, to have money, cars, houses, private jets, and own everything! Why? because that is how we manifest, when God’s people have all the money, we can own everything and therefore, have all the power here on this earth. And yes, this is what they teach, or at least did, I know because I used to be in some of those sessions where this teaching was preached and unfortunately, I have preached this text out of context as well based upon their influence at the time. So yes, this is what some of them believe. They want to own everything so they can control everything! That is their theology and they use verses like Romans 8, the children of God manifesting, as in Christians manifesting in having money, in this life, here and now. Ok, this is wrong on several counts:
1. The context of this verse is pain and suffering. Look at the very first verse of this, verse 18, our suffering now cannot be compared to the future glory! This has nothing to do with money or owning anything! Period!
2. Secondly, look at the other versus I highlighted. It was referring to all the earth moaning and groaning waiting for a future glory. Even we, as believers, are waiting for this as well. We are waiting for a glorified body and we can get rid of this corrupted one we are living in now. Hence, that’s what is says when, “the redemption of our bodies”. So, what’s my point to that?
3. This is referring to something in the future! This is not in the here in now, this text is referring to an event in the future, meaning, this is not now, nor will it ever be now. This is a future event that has not happened yet. So, to apply this to Christians in the here and now, in this life, owning everything and having power over everything in the here and now, is totally destroying the context of this text. It’s future, not here and now.
4. Also, look at the context again. Even we, believers, are moaning and groaning waiting for it. Meaning, we are not exempt from the pain and suffering. Believers are not exempt from anything in this text. Christians go through it just like everybody else. We don’t own anything here in this text. We are not exempt from suffering. We go through it just like everyone. Hence, that’s why we are moaning and groaning as well. So, prosperity preachers have mis-preached this text for years, blessings.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, I thank you for Your Word and I thank You for Your keeping power. We will face challenges, struggles, and trials and tribulations in this life; You promised us that. But You also gave us Hope in Jesus and when He said, “I have overcome the world” therefore, we know, through Him, we overcome as well. I thank You for the Manifestation of the Sons of God manifesting and we will be with You in the wedding feast of the Bridegroom when we can meet You face to face Jesus and be with You for all eternity. It is this hope that gives me strength in this life, when times are hard! Thank You, Jesus, for being that Hope, Christ in us, the Hope of Glory. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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