The Futility of Fallen Creation
Romans 8:20-39 (GS Trans.) - For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of God who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning as in childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with endurance. And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with agonizings which are verbalized; 27 and He that examines the hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because He appeals on behalf of the saints according to [the mind] of God.
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow and tomorrow ?creeps in this petty pace from day to day, ?To the last syllable of recorded time, ?And all our yesterdays have lighted fools ?The way to dusty death. Out, Out, brief candle ?Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player ?That struts and frets his hour upon the stage ?and then is heard no more. It is a tale ?Told by an idiot. Full of sound and fury ?signifying nothing." Shakespeare, Macbeth V., v., 17.
The Fruitility of Redemption
28 And we know that to them that love God, [He] works everything together into good, even to them that are called-out according to His purpose. 29 For those He chose (and loved) ahead of time, He also decided beforehand to conform them to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren: 30 and those He chose beforehand, them He also called-out: and those He called-out, He also declared righteous: and those He declared righteous, those He also glorified.
The Finality of the Love of God in Christ
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 Indeed, He that did not spare His own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously grant us everything? 33 Who will accuse the chosen of God? It is God that declares [us] righteous; 34 Who is the one that condemns? It is Christ Jesus that died, rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will oppression, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 No, in and through all these things we victoriously conquer through the Loving-One who loved us. 38 For I am absolutely convinced, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (GS Trans.)
EXHORTATION
1 Cor. 15:58 - Be steadfast immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
28 And we know that to them that love God, [He] works everything together into good, even to them that are called-out according to His purpose.