For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only that, but also, we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance, we wait eagerly for it.
Romans 8:23
This statement from Paul is an excellent example of why we shouldn't base an entire theology on a single verse. At first glance, it may seem like Paul is saying that Christians are still waiting to be adopted by God. However, when we read his letters to the Ephesians, Galatians, and earlier in Romans, we know that he writes differently. In those letters, he states that Christians, sealed by the Spirit, are already adopted sons of God through Jesus Christ. So, what is Paul saying then? If we read the surrounding text, we can see that Paul is saying that the adoption will be finalized upon our bodies’ redemption upon the Son’s return. Until then, we eagerly wait with great anticipation and hope, knowing that even though we have already been saved, we will still struggle and suffer with sin until the end.
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