The Whole Creation Groans…(Romans 8:22)

The Result of Adam’s Sin

 

In Chapter Eight of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, he noted the glorious future for Christians who have been led by the Holy Spirit.  He noted that believers have overcome their carnal past and have become “children of God” and therefore ”joint-heirs with Christ”. (Romans 8: 16-17)  As a result, we shall be glorified with the Lord when we complete the process of “adoption”, when we redeem our new bodies after this earthly phase of our lives is done. (Romans 8: 18-23).

In the meantime we as believers have been groaning within ourselves waiting for that blessed event.  But Paul points out that the anticipation of our manifestation as the sons of God is shared by the whole of God’s creation (also called “the creature”). The scripture says: “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” (Romans 8:22). In the preceding verses we were reminded that when the first man Adam sinned, his action brought not only death to mankind, but also disorder and destruction affecting the rest of God’s creation in our world.

To put all this in some perspective, it is important to review some concepts about both man and death.  Remember from Genesis Chapter Two, that man’s physical body was formed from the dust of the ground. But his soul / spirit (his true essence) was then breathed / infused into the nostrils of that body by the LORD God. Just as man was comprised of these two distinct parts (visible body vs invisible soul / spirit) , so therefore did death affect each of them separately.

God had told Adam that “…in the day that thou eatest (of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) thou shalt surely die.” When Adam sinned by disobeying God, the impact on his and Eve’s souls / spirits was immediate and dramatic. They became aware that they had lost the glory that God had bestowed upon them to reign over the earth. Their souls’ spiritual connections with their Creator had died. They perceived that they were naked, and in their shame sought to hide their nakedness with fig leaves, and themselves from God. (Genesis Chapter Three)

On the other hand, the Bible also records that Adam lived 930 years before he died. (Genesis 5: 5) That statistic refers to how long his physical body endured.  The apparent discrepancy between that lifespan of 930 years and God’s sentence that death would occur “in the day” that Adam disobeyed can be seen in 1) viewing death / dying of the body as a process rather than an event as with the spirit;  and 2) the scripture’s later revealing that “a day with the Lord is as a thousand years...” (2 Peter 3:8) 

Consider the physical body of man, composed of the elements of the earth, like unto the rest of God’s Creation.  When the LORD God pronounced His punishment on Adam and his wife, He added: “cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;”.(Genesis 3: 17) The earth has been under God’s curse since then, and subsequently it also groans in anticipation of the manifestation of redeemed man. What began as God’s perfect creation was changed. The perfect balance began to degenerate through what scientists have come to call “entropy”, or a movement to a less usable state. Think of the analogy between what happens to the human body that has been buried and begins to return to the dust from which it came (Genesis 3: 19); and what happens when a fallen tree lies on the forest floor.

The evidence of the groaning of the creation is becoming more evident every day.  With increasing frequency worldwide we are seeing drought, floods, earthquakes, shrinkage of polar ice masses, new virus variants, and various other indicators of what we now attribute to “climate change” or “rare natural occurrences”. However, even as mankind continues to contribute to the woes of our planet today, the scripture confirms that believers will experience the new heaven and the new earth that will be free from death and the curse brought by man’s sin. (2 Peter 3: 13) (https://www.gotquestions.org/all-creation-groans.html )

Dr. W. A. Robinson

 

P.S. The Creation has always remained responsive to God. Remember the Lord Jesus’ words during His entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday when, as described in Luke 19: 37-40:

“the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

³⁸ Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

³⁹ And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

⁴⁰ And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Other evidence that His Creation knew Him: He could calm the stormy seas (Matthew 8: 23-27). He could turn water into fine wine (John2: 1-11). And there were other examples. ( See: https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/15519/Jesus-Christs-Authority-over-Nature.htm  

Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Lamentations (Matthew Henry's Commentaries)

 

Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Lamentations

(Matthew Henry’s Commentaries)

 

Background:

Matthew Henry was a British minister and author who lived from 1662 to 1714.  He was best known for writing his biblical commentary “Exposition of the Old and New Testaments”. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henry ) His detailed theological views covered Genesis through Revelation, and have been widely commended by other Bible scholars because of Henry’s both practical and insightful perspectives.

Some Bible students have had difficulty understanding either the context or substance of some scriptures.  Below I chose to share “Henry’s Commentaries” on three subject Books of the Old Testament (Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and Lamentations).  I cannot add anything of value to his words .

 

General Notes on the Book of Ecclesiastes

The name of this book signifies "The Preacher." The wisdom of God here preaches to us, speaking by Solomon, who it is evident was the author. At the close of his life, being made sensible of his sin and folly, he recorded here his experience for the benefit of others, as the book of his repentance; and he pronounced all earthly good to be "vanity and vexation of spirit." It convinces us of the vanity of the world, and that it cannot make us happy; of the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable. It shows that no created good can satisfy the soul, and that happiness is to be found in God alone; and this doctrine must, under the blessed Spirit's teaching, lead the heart to Christ Jesus.

 

General Notes on the Book of Song of Solomon

This book is a Divine allegory, which represents the love between Christ and his church of true believers, under figures taken from the relation and affection that subsist between a bridegroom and his espoused bride; an emblem often employed in Scripture, as describing the nearest, firmest, and most sure relation: see Psalms 45:1-17. Isaiah 54:5,6. 62:5. Jer 2:2. 3:1. also in Ezekiel, Hosea, and by our Lord himself, Matthew 9:15. 25:1:. see also Revelation 21:2,9. Ephesians 5:27. There is no character in the church of Christ, and no situation in which the believer is placed, but what may be traced in this book, as humble inquirers will find, on comparing it with other Scriptures, by the assistance of God the Holy Spirit, in answer to their supplications. Much, however, of the language has been misunderstood by expositors and translators. The difference between the customs and manners of Europe, and those of the East, must especially be kept in view. The little acquaintance with eastern customs possessed by most of our early expositors and translators, has in many cases prevented a correct rendering. Also, the changes in our own language, during the last two or three centuries, affect the manner in which some expressions are viewed, and they must not be judged by modern notions. But the great outlines, rightly interpreted, fully accord with the affections and experience of the sincere Christian.

 

General Notes on the Book of Lamentations

It is evident that Jeremiah was the author of the Lamentations which bear his name. The book was not written till after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans. May we be led to consider sin as the cause of all our calamities, and under trials exercise submission, repentance, faith, and prayer, with the hope of promised deliverance through God's mercy.

 

Matthew Henry’s Commentaries can prove valuable when studying any of the scripture, especially since they are provided on a chapter by chapter basis.  (http://www.htmlbible.com/kjv30/henry/index.htm  ) They offer what could be different perspectives of thought that we might not have otherwise considered.

Dr. W. A. Robinson

Bible Prophecy: Times of the Gentiles vs. Fullness of the Gentiles

 

Bible Prophecy:

Times of the Gentiles vs Fullness of the Gentiles

 

BACKGROUND: Times of the Gentiles

Late during His earthly ministry, the disciples of our Lord Jesus privately asked Him: “…what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” The Lord’s response gave several indicators that provided signs that the end was approaching. Among those signs, in the Book of Luke, Chapter 21, the Lord Jesus prophesied that there would be “…great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people (Israel). And they shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Luke 21: 23-24).  In 70 A.D., Israel’s Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, and the people were either slaughtered or dispersed throughout the known world.

As God’s Chosen People Israel, losing their Homeland and the Temple through which they could worship God were seemingly impossible circumstances to overcome. As prior history had shown, another Temple could be built, but possession of Jerusalem and the Promised Land would be more difficult. (Genesis Chapter 15; Genesis 17; 1-8) Regaining the land that had been given to the Patriarch Abraham under the “Palestinian Covenant” would require God’s direct intervention. Numerous references are found in: https://printer.gotquestions.net/GeneratePF?articleId=1575  and,  https://www.gotquestions.org/Palestinian-covenant.html

Another account of the Lord’s response to His disciples is found in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 24. One of the most significant points was His reference to the words of the Prophet Daniel. (Matthew 24:15) During Daniel’s visions, Israel’s Babylonian captors were replaced by other Gentile conquerors, including the Medes and Persians, and both the Greek and Roman Empires, as noted in the Book of Daniel, Chapters 2 and 8. These and later conquerors continued the pattern of Gentiles reigning over the Holy City Jerusalem and other areas of Israel’s Promised Land.

In Daniel Chapter 9, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Daniel in another vision. He laid out the critical timeline for Israel’s future, covering the period of their captivity and extending into the distant future for “Seventy weeks” / (490 years) … including the coming of the Messiah; His being “cut off”; the Nation’s betrayal in the middle of the Tribulation by the individual we now recognize as the Antichrist; through the end of the Tribulation.  More details of the vision are provided in the closing chapters of the Book of Daniel, Chapters 10 – 12. These visions from the LORD through Gabriel provided important context for events beyond the destruction and devastation of 70 A.D…both those that have already taken place, those in progress, and those still ahead.

[As an aside, it is important to recognize that the vision / prophecy of “Seventy weeks” was given specifically to the Nation of Israel, even though it had implications for the rest of the world. Our Omniscient God knew that there would be a break in that timeline to allow for this 2,000-year period we call the “Church Age”. That has direct bearing on the second part of this discussion: the “Fullness of the Gentiles”.]

Consistent with the vision given by the LORD to the Prophet Ezekiel, the people of Israel began to return to their Homeland. (Ezekiel Chapter 37) This return / immigration began in the late 1800s, even in the face of significant hostility from neighboring Gentile populations. https://www.arij.org/atlas40/intro.html

Although Israel was able to declare its independence on May 14, 1948, and became a member of the United Nations a year later, it has been continually under the threat of armed conflict with its Arab neighbors.  Until Israel is free to inhabit all the land that the LORD gave deed to Israel’s Patriarch Abraham, these will continue to be regarded as the Times of the Gentiles.

 

BACKGROUND: Fullness of the Gentiles

In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul wrote to those who had believed in our Lord Jesus to be the Son of God.  Some were of the Nation of Israel, who had believed that the Lord was their long-awaited Messiah, who was to fulfill the prophecies of a King who would lead Israel and establish His eternal kingdom in Jerusalem. (https://www.gotquestions.org/Abrahamic-covenant.html ; Exodus 19: 1-6; and others.)  Most were Gentiles to whom Paul was providing background and doctrinal substance for the Gospel of Grace, distinguishing between the requirements of the Law of Moses and the role of faith, …revealed to him by the Ascended Lord Jesus. (Acts 9: 1-16, Romans 10: 9-13, 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, and the “Faith Chapter” / Hebrews Chapter 11)

In Romans Chapters 9 and 10, Paul provided evidence of the Nation of Israel’s failure to believe God’s prophets and follow through in keeping the Covenant He established with them. (Note references above.) Israel’s rejection and demand for the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, and their stoning of the disciple Stephen, the voice of the Holy Spirit offering them a final chance at repentance (Acts Chapters 6 and 7), had resulted in God’s turning to the implementation of the next phase of His plan for the redemption of man.  The plan to have Israel serve as a Holy Nation of priests to evangelize the Gentile world was set aside. (Exodus 19: 1-6)

In Romans Chapter 11, Paul makes it clear that God has not rejected His Chosen People Israel because of their unbelief. “…but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.” (verse 11) It was in that context that Paul further clarified: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.” (verse 25) (See also Psalms 69: 22-23; Isaiah 6:9, Ezekiel 12:2)

The ”come in” phrase of that verse refers to the completion of the “gathering in” of the Gentile members of the “Body of Christ”. The concept of Gentiles enjoying fellowship with Israel’s God was first raised in the Old Testament prophecy of Amos concerning the End Times. (Amos 9: 11-12) It was later shared by the Apostle Peter during the contentious debate (known as the Jerusalem Council) between the Jewish believers who insisted that all who followed Jesus had to also follow the Laws of Moses.  This was in direct contrast to the arguments of the Apostle Paul and his followers that under the Gospel of Grace, Gentiles need only have the necessary faith in the finished work of the Cross. (Acts 15: 1-17; Galatians 2: 1-9; Romans 10: 9-13; 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) Fortunately for Gentiles, the resolution of the meeting was that the Jewish members of the Jerusalem Church would continue to take the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom to the Nation of Israel, while Paul and his followers would continue to carry the message of the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles. Today, we believing Gentiles have become members of the Body of Christ. (1 Corinthians Chapter 12).

Again, the “fullness of the Gentiles” refers to the completion of the filling of that Body of Christ. (Romans 11:25)  The Bible does not say when the first believers entered the Body.  Many believe that it began when the Holy Spirit sent Peter to the Gentiles at the House of Cornelius, resulting in that family’s salvation. (Acts Chapter 10)  Others believe that the Body was initiated when the first non-Jews believed in the LORD God, dating even before Ruth the Moabitess (Book of Ruth),  and Rahab the Harlot (Joshua Chapter Two), back to Abel, who was slain by his brother Cain. (Genesis Chapter Four) Their expressions of faith / believing God might have gained their being regarded as members of the Body. (Hebrews Chapter 11)  Only the Lord Jesus knows those who comprise His Body.

Regardless of when the first members were added to the Body, the addition of the last one will presumably be at the Rapture of the Church. (1 Corinthians 15:44-54; 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-17) The “fullness of the Gentiles” will be complete. That will be the event leading to God’s return to His Plan for the Nation of Israel including the resumption of the timeline of Daniel’s vision and the coming of the Antichrist. (Daniel 9: 20-27).

Dr. W.A. Robinson