Creation Delivered
A Sermon on Romans 8:18-23
Originally preached May 12, 1961
Scripture
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20For the creature was made subject …
Sermon Description
Questions of humanity’s ultimate goal and how they will arrive at that goal are fundamental to every belief system or worldview. Perhaps no worldview stands in contrast to Christianity like the evolutionary worldview. It not only must reject the historical Adam and therefore the historical fall, but the evolutionary worldview understands the human race to be progressing. It has an inherent optimistic view of human nature – humanity is getting better. They are progressing and in the end all will be okay. As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones comments on Romans 8:18–23 in this sermon titled “Creation Delivered,” this view of humanity could not be more opposed to the biblical view. Rather than progressing, humanity has plunged, not only itself, but all of creation into a cursed state. The creation, says the apostle Paul, waits for the final redemption of the children of God. Humanity and the rest of creation have no hope apart from God’s redemption in Christ. While fallen humanity places its optimism in itself, the Christian places their optimism in the second coming, when the glory of Christ and the redemption of God’s people is final. Listen as Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds of the culture’s misplaced hope in Adam’s fallen race in contrast to the Christian’s final hope in Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The state of the world cannot be explained by evolution. The Bible teaches that the world is in its present state due to the fall and sin of man, not evolution.
- The early chapters of Genesis are essential to understand the Christian faith. You cannot separate the doctrines of salvation from the historicity of events like the fall of Adam.
- There is no hope for creation or man in evolution. The Bible does not teach that things will progressively get better over time through evolution.
- The only hope is in the character of God. God's glory and honor mean He cannot leave the world in its present state of vanity and groaning.
- The whole creation is looking forward to the glory that is to come. This is seen in the metaphor of creation groaning in childbirth pains. Creation feels it is meant for something better though it cannot produce it.
- The hope for creation comes from God's promise of deliverance, not anything creation can produce. God promised hope and deliverance for creation at the same time He cursed it due to man's sin.
- The groaning and travailing of creation refers to its longing for liberation and glory, not the suffering within nature. It is personified as longing for freedom from the bondage of corruption.
- The glory to come will first be revealed in Christ. This is seen in glimpses like the transfiguration and descriptions of His second coming. He will come in power and great glory.
- The glory to come will also be revealed in us. We will be glorified together with Christ. The whole creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God in glory.
- We will shine like the sun in the kingdom of our Father. The righteous will shine like the sun just as Christ's face shines like the sun. We will radiate His glory and righteousness.
Sermon Q&A
What Does Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Teach About the Coming Glory for Christians?
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones mean by "the glory which shall be revealed in us"?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "the glory which shall be revealed in us" refers to the future glory Christians will experience at Christ's second coming. He explains that believers will shine "as the sun" in their glorified state, sharing in Christ's glory. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this coming glory is so magnificent that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This glory involves a complete transformation where Christians will be displayed as trophies of God's grace and "the manifold wisdom of God."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast the biblical view of creation with evolutionary theory?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones presents a stark contrast between evolution and the biblical view of creation. He states, "The state of the world is not to be explained and cannot be explained by the theory of evolution." While evolution posits ongoing progress and advancement, Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the biblical teaching shows creation in its current state is the result of a fall from an original perfect state. He explains that creation is "cursed because of the sin of men," not in a state of incomplete development. Lloyd-Jones concludes that "there is no hope for creation and for the cosmos in terms of evolution" according to Scripture.
What is meant by "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together"?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that this phrase describes creation's current condition as comparable to childbirth pains. He references the New English translation which states "the whole creation groans in all its parts, as if in the pangs of childbirth." Creation is in a painful process, attempting to give birth to something better, yet unable to produce it on its own. Lloyd-Jones clarifies that nature is not gradually evolving toward perfection but is rather caught in a cycle of failed renewal attempts (like spring followed by winter). The groaning indicates creation's "consciousness" that it was meant for something better, yet it cannot achieve this without divine intervention.
What hope does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say exists for creation?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that creation's only hope lies in God's character and promises. He explains, "God's glory and God's honor prohibit His leaving the world as it is." Creation was "subjected to the same in hope," meaning that when God cursed the earth, He simultaneously gave a promise of future deliverance. This hope is not based on creation's own capacity to evolve or improve, but rather on God's promise to restore it. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that creation's destiny is tied to humanity's, and just as believers will be redeemed, so creation will be delivered "from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe Christ's glory at His second coming?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes Christ's glory at His second coming using biblical imagery of overwhelming brightness and majesty. He references the Transfiguration where Christ's "face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as light." He cites Revelation's descriptions of Christ with "eyes as a flame of fire," a countenance "as the sun shineth in his strength," and bearing the title "King of kings and Lord of lords." Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that this glory will be visible to everyone: "Every eye shall see him." The glory will cause believers to admire Christ but will cause unbelievers to fear, as they will try to hide "from the face of him that sitteth on the throne and from the wrath of the lamb."
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.