Creation's Groaning

The Bible tells us that all creation is groaning and waiting, waiting for something great to be born or brought forth. All creation is waiting for something big to happen and for the groaning to stop. 

Romans 8:22-23 (NIV) 

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but 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. 

If all creation is groaning and waiting for the big event, the return of Christ. Does that mean all creation will be saved? The same Book of Romans reveals that all creation knows that there is a Creator, and because we all know, there is no excuse for not serving and worshipping him. 

Romans 1:18-20 (NLT) 

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 

All creation is groaning, and all creation knows there must be a Creator/God. Does that mean all creation will be saved? No! Knowing about God is not the same as knowing God. Jesus makes this point clear to all creation. 

John 17:3 (NLT) 

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. 

Salvation is eternal life through Christ, and eternal life through Christ is salvation. To know Jesus is to know and experience life itself…forever. But what does that word “know” really mean? Does all creation know God? No! 

In John 17:3, “know” does not mean mere head knowledge or theological information. It means: To enter into and continually grow in a personal, trusting, loving, obedient relationship with the only true God and with Jesus Christ whom He sent — and this relationship itself is eternal life. 

Yes, all creation is groaning. Yes, all creation has a head knowledge that there must be a Creator, even if they refuse to acknowledge him. But not everyone will be saved. Not everyone will receive eternal life. This head knowledge must be transformed, born-again into a heart knowledge called “love”. To love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is to know God. 

Romans 10:9-13 (NLT) 

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” 

Maranatha, Hosanna, Hallelujah and Amen, 

Terry Cooper 

Lead Minister