The Creation

Definitions  The Greek noun ktisis, derived from the verb ktizō [to build], refers to “creation (the act or the product)” [Thomas 2937].  BDAG define it as “(1) act of creation, creation; (2) the result of a creative act, that which is created; (3) system of established authority that is the result of some founding action, governance system, authority system.”  This word occurs 19x in the NT.

The Creation  Used of All Creation, including the physical and spiritual realms (Rom. 8:38–39; Col. 1:15–20, esp. vs. 15; Heb. 4:12–13; Rev. 3:14–22, esp. vs. 14)  Used of the Physical Creation (Mark 10:2–9, esp. vs. 6; 13:14–20, esp. vs. 19; Rom. 1:18–25, esp. vs. 20 & 25; Heb. 9:11–14, esp. vs. 11; 2 Pet. 3:3– 7, esp. vs. 4)

The Creation  Used of the Spiritual Creation (Gal. 6:14–16, esp. vs. 15; 2 Cor. 5:16–19, esp. vs. 17)

The Creation  Used of Man or Mankind/Humankind (Mark 16:15– 16, esp. vs. 15; Col. 1:21–23, esp. vs. 23; cf. Matt. 28:19–20)  Used of Established Governmental Authority (1 Pet. 2:13–17, esp. vs. 13)

The Creation of Romans 8  Contrasting this present time with a glorious future yet to be revealed, Paul says, “The anxious longing of the *creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God” (vs. 19).  The Greek word apokalupsis, here translated “revealing,” may refer to the unveiling of God’s mind (Rom. 16:25-26; 2 Cor. 12:7), or the final realization of His purpose (2 Thess. 1:6-8; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13). Context here demands the latter.

The Creation of Romans 8  Next, Paul affirms, “The *creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the *creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God (vs ).”

The Creation of Romans 8  Is the creation the physical world? Certainly, the physical world bears the imprint of man’s fall. Eden was lost, the ground was cursed, thorn and thistles grew profusely as a consequence of Adam’s transgression (Gen. 3:17-19).  Because of pervasive wickedness, the antediluvian world perished, being flooded with water (2 Pet. 3:3- 6). The earth is polluted, laid waste and despoiled by (and because of) its evil inhabitants (Isaiah 24:1-6).

The Creation of Romans 8  Is the creation the realm of men? Like the earth on which we live, mankind bears the scars and stain of sin. Hearts are hardened, consciences seared, purity sacrificed, peace lost, and lives are ruined because of transgression and disobedience (Isa. 3:8-9; 57:20-21; 59:1-8).

The Creation of Romans 8  Finally, the apostle states, “For we know that the whole *creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body” (vs ).

The Creation of Romans 8  We conclude that the creation does not here refer to the redeemed, because of the contrast Paul draws between “the whole creation” and “we ourselves.”  Contextually, it could refer to the realm of lost mankind, suffering under the curse of sin, longing for a life with meaning.  So likewise, it could also encompass the entire created order, in the sense that everything that God created serves His ultimate aim and eternal purpose: the salvation of mankind (Eph. 3:8-13).

Conclusion  Even if one understands “the creation” of Romans 8 as referring to the physical universe, nothing demands a literal future fulfillment.  Rather, we anticipate a spiritualized fulfillment of New Testament prophecy which contains physical elements.  Such an approach harmonizes with a proper understanding of Hebrew Messianic prophecy (cf. Isa. 35:1-2; 41:17-20; 51:3; 55:12-13; etc.).

Conclusion  It avoids the mistake, so prevalent among Jews of the first century, of forcing a literal interpretation upon prophecy that is symbolic and spiritual.