Unlimited: Waiting in Hope
Jan 20, 2023 566
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,in hope21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God (Romans 8:20–21).
It is good and right to say things like “Jesus died for me” and that “If I had been the only one, Jesus would still have died for me.” Yet be careful that you do not say these things from a self-centred heart and worldview, for the Son of God died for many more, and for much more, than just for you. He died for the world (John 3:16). He died to reconcile all things (Col. 1:20).
A right understanding of the Gospel calls us to have an all-embracing, cosmic, God-centred, and others-centred worldview. This is a way of seeing and understanding the world that directly opposes the prevailing narratives of our time and culture. Moreover, rather than evolving and improving over time, all of creation is in bondage to decay.
God maintains creation in hope, as it awaits its liberation, when it will be brought into the glory of God’s children.
When Paul writes that creation was subjected to “frustration” (NIV), the word means “futility.” What he means is that as a result of Adam’s sin, creation is devoid of purpose. God maintains it in hope, as it awaits its liberation, when it will be brought into the glory of God’s children.
It is significant to observe the close connection between humanity and creation. What happens to humanity happens to creation. We are inextricably linked. So, too, without the Gospel of salvation, humanity is ultimately devoid of purpose.
Spiritual Application
Read Ecclesiastes 1:1–8, preferably in a contemporary translation. Have you ever felt like this? What is the antidote?
Robin Hahn
Jan 21, 2023
C.S. Lewis wrote a talk on 'Futility' (published in Christian Reflections) that addresses some very interesting concepts including evolution and morality, and our misconceptions on those and other topics. He brings key principles into sharp focus in this talk. I can't find a written copy, only an audio book - I've purchased Christian Reflections - so I'll leave a link to the audio book: https://www.gnli.com/videos/C-S-Lewis-De-Futilitate/223071.
Kelly Smith
Jan 23, 2023
Many people ask " What is the meaning of life?"According to the texts presented here, life has no meaning at this time. Outside of God, His Christ (Jesus), and the new and eternal life awaiting us in the new earth, life has no meaning. Meaninglessness, frustration, death, these are the Curse that Jesus came to set us free from.