Romans 8:23 – Groaning in Anticipation
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
Truth to Learn
We also groan, waiting for our redemption and adoption.
Behind the Words
The Greek word translated “firstfruits” is aparchē, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and a form of archomai, meaning “to begin.” This word refers to the first ripe fruit of the season.
“Redemption” is from the Greek word apolutrōsis, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” and lutroō, meaning “to bring forward a ransom.” Thus, apolutrōsis means “to release a captive upon receipt of a ransom.”
Meaning Explained
Going back once again to our discussion in verse 19 about the Greek word ktisis, which is translated either as “creature” or “creation,” we mentioned that some believe it refers to Christians as a whole, since the Bible in 2Corinthians 5:17 refers to us as “a new creation.” The current verse is one reason why this may not be the intended interpretation. Paul has just said that “all of creation” or “the whole creation” groans and is in pain. In the current verse, Paul now says “Not only that, but we also … we ourselves groan within ourselves.” He even clarifies the “we” by saying that we are the ones “who have the firstfruits of the Spirit… waiting for the adoption…” This expression clearly refers to saved Christians. But, if ktisis was referring to saved Christians, then Paul would not say that we Christians also groan … Hence, it appears that ktisis in the previous verse refers to all of the visible creation apart from mankind.
Next we have to ask ourselves, “What does Paul mean by, “we who have the firstfruits the Spirit?” There are those who believe that since Paul is talking to members of the early church, he means that they were the first ones who received the Holy Spirit; they had received “the firstfruits of the Spirit.” However, if you look at passages in the Old Testament that refer to the “firstfruits” offerings (Deuteronomy 26:2; Exodus 23:19; and Numbers 18:13, for example) you will see that the firstfruits were a pledge of what was to come later. Thus, they were a sacrifice that required faith to offer, believing that the full harvest would come later. That is precisely one of the images we have of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is a pledge that the fullness of salvation, our adoption into God’s family, the redemption and recreation of our bodies, will come to us at the consummation of the last days.
Application
We born again Christians also groan within ourselves because we are eagerly awaiting the full adoption and the completion of our salvation. In other words, we are eagerly awaiting our redemption, our final release from the bondage of sin which will end all the pain and suffering which we endure in this earthly life. Next time you groan as a result of the physical or mental pain of being a Christian, remember the day of our redemption is coming soon.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2010 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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