The material world is in state of ceaseless groaning within, for the redemption of it from the corpses of corruption and bondage to decay. This mystery has hope as its goal, and the hope will not let us down, for in hope, we are saved ( Rom 8: 24 ). The hope is that our groaning ends in immortality of the flesh. A three fold groaning is envisaged by St. Paul.
i. All creation groan together in labour pain ( Rom 8: 22 )
ii. We ourselves groan inwardly ( Rom 8: 23 )
iii. The Spirit intercedes for us with groans ( Rom 8: 26 )
This three fold " groaning " drives us to the resurrection of the material world, where we are part and parcel of it. In fact, we are the first fruit of the resurrection, and the rest of the creation follow us.
i. All creation groan together in labour pain ( Rom 8: 22 )
ii. We ourselves groan inwardly ( Rom 8: 23 )
iii. The Spirit intercedes for us with groans ( Rom 8: 26 )
This three fold " groaning " drives us to the resurrection of the material world, where we are part and parcel of it. In fact, we are the first fruit of the resurrection, and the rest of the creation follow us.
