Full Redemption

Romans 8:22-25

We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom. 8:23)

WHEN EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD LEE joined the Navy, it was his first time away from home. His aunt Ruth wisely warned him, "If you ever get homesick, go for a walk. Get out, be with people. Don't sit alone." Young people in the military aren't the only ones who suffer homesickness. Christians, too, feel pangs of this malady as we pick up our newspapers and read about drive-by shootings, child abuse, and domestic violence. We groan inwardly because we wait for a better place and a better time when injustice and evil won't exist. We long for our complete redemption. The Scriptures describe a three-fold groaning: that of creation, the believer, and the Holy Spirit. Because of sin, creation continues to suffer catastrophic events of all descriptions and longs to be recreated. This renewal will happen in the new heaven and earth. Christians have received the first installment of their redemption, salvation of our souls and the Holy Spirit. But there is more. We groan for the glory and privileges as full sons when we will receive a new body. In heaven we will occupy a new home. There will be rest and rewards. The Holy Spirit within us also sighs, helping us to pray. There will be no sin in the new heaven and earth. Homesickness and groaning will end. This will be our full redemption, a time too glorious to imagine.

Jewell Johnson

Take a short walk, alone, and think about the glory of heaven.