God’s salvation Plan For Creation – 2
Romans 8:19-25
“The creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption. For in this hope we were saved. But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” Romans 8:19-25 (Paraphrased)
Background
In the previous chapter, we demonstrated that God’s salvation plan embraces all creation, not humanity alone, extending Christ’s redemptive covenant to the entire cosmos (John 3:16). Salvation was presented as the progressive ascent of souls from lower spiritual states toward union with God—revealed in Jesus’ descent and exaltation (1 Peter 3:19). The material world functions as a temporary arena of testing through incarnation, where repentance, growth, and spiritual ascent are made possible, though not without the risk of deeper decline.
In this chapter, we examine more closely how God employs the material realm—specifically the earth in the present age and in the coming millennium—to accomplish His saving purposes. The earth is the first of many material worlds appointed to undergo this redemptive process, serving as the inaugural stage upon which God’s purposes of testing, refinement, and restoration are progressively accomplished.
Observation
Romans 8:19-25 affirms that God’s salvation is not limited to the soul, but extends to the very fabric of the material world. The earth is not to be discarded; it is to be redeemed. This hope—the liberation of creation from corruption, chaos, and oppression—is not a peripheral hope, but a central pillar of the Gospel promise. As we await the arrival of a righteous order where this salvation is fully realized, we prepare ourselves by cultivating the foundational virtues of patience and perseverance.
Truth
The Present Age: The Age of Testing
The present age is an era in which evil rules, a time when the earth is marked by conflict, injustice, and destruction. In this season, all souls—both righteous and wicked—are granted freedom to act, with the full certainty that God will ultimately judge every deed according to the law written upon the conscience. Because such freedom is permitted, evil is allowed, for a time, to rise and exert its deception and oppression upon humanity. This intensifies as the age draws to its close (see 2 Timothy 3:1–2).
Under such conditions, the righteous endure immense pressure: they are called to remain patient without taking judgment into their own hands, and to persevere steadfastly in the way of truth despite hostility and suffering (see 2 Timothy 3:10–11).
The Millennium: The Age of Righteous Order
The millennium is an era characterized by righteous governance under Christ—a time when peace, justice, and restoration prevail. In this season, the wicked are judged and removed from the earth. Under such conditions, the righteous are able to continue growing without hindrance or fear of oppression. This millennial reign will extend over an appointed period of thousands of years, after which Satan will be released for a final testing of the world.
The Transition
The present age gives way to the millennium when Christ establishes His rule over the world (see Revelation 2:27). This necessitates a decisive overthrow of corrupt rule over nations and communities (see Revelation 19:11). Here, evil authorities are removed, and righteous leadership is established in their place, inaugurating a new order grounded in justice and divine governance.
What is the purpose of the present Age of Testing?
The ‘age of testing’ is not a collection of random obstacles; it is a deliberate curriculum for the spiritual development of humanity. Before more complex spiritual growth can take root, foundational virtues—specifically patience and perseverance—must be firmly established. These ‘grit’ virtues act as a sieve, distinguishing those who pursue Truth for personal gain from those committed to God out of a pure love for the Truth—a love so profound they would lay down their lives for it. Without this bedrock of grit, the entire architecture of a Christlike life inevitably collapses under the weight of its own calling.
What is the purpose of the millennium Age of Righteous Order?
The “age of righteous order” is necessary for more nuanced virtues. Certain attributes of God cannot be fully acquired by humanity in a state of chaos. Just as a scientist needs a stable lab to perform complex experiments, the human spirit needs a “righteous order” to develop. More nuanced virtues include empathy, deep discernment, and sacrificial love.
Empathy is both the discipline and the capacity to enter another’s predicament—to feel with them and reach out. Chaos and oppression starve the soul of the safety and security it needs to grow empathy. They teach that vulnerability and availability is dangerous and others are not to be trusted or worthy of our concern. Hence, empathy is a virtue that requires the security of a “righteous order” to flourish.
Discernment is the disciplined capacity to perceive circumstances from God’s perspective and to comprehend His ways. Discernment requires the space to pause and have deep conversations with God, to ponder over what God said while making sense of the present circumstances. Though the turbulence of chaos can cloud spiritual perception, a state of order grants the soul the silence and solitude it needs to listen attentively and see with clarity.
Sacrificial love requires a deep willingness to surrender one’s rights, resources, and even personal safety. Yet under the strain of constant threat, the human instinct gravitates toward self-preservation, making it far more difficult to place the needs of others above one’s own immediate concerns. Within a righteous order, however, sacrificial love is not merely an individual act but a shared communal practice. As each person gives, the community also gives in return, creating a mutual strengthening in which generosity is sustained, protected, and multiplied.
What is the way of life in the millennium?
– The culture of worship
There will be no rigid or institutionalized expressions of worship. Worship will no longer be confined to formal structures or ceremonies but embraced as a living spirituality—a way of life woven into the fabric of daily existence. People will be free to gather and offer praise to God whenever their hearts are moved. Some will be appointed as shepherds to guide and minister among the people, cultivating faith and righteousness within the community.
Religion as a system will fade away, giving place to the pure worship of the one true God. Jesus will be acknowledged as the ruler of all creation, not by coercion, but through the undeniable witness of His power and sacrificial love. No individual will receive preferential status on the basis of religious background; rather, God will honor and exalt those who are righteous in heart, regardless of where they come from.
– The culture of work
The prevailing capitalist culture will give way to a work ethic no longer driven by profit, but by a genuine desire to improve the well-being of society. Enterprises that lack a righteous and life-giving culture will gradually fade, as people choose to support not merely the cheapest or most efficient merchants, but those whose practices reflect integrity and justice.
Workplaces will be marked by greater equality between superiors and subordinates. Leadership will no longer be rewarded with excessive compensation detached from communal welfare. Instead, honor and reward will be given to those who labor diligently and selflessly for the common good.
Though workplace politicking may still arise, it will lose its power. With the righteous and the wise appointed as leaders, manipulative ambition will find little room to prevail, and integrity will shape the culture of work.
– The structure of government
There will be one world leader appointed by Jesus Christ to govern on His behalf. This leader, in turn, will appoint wise and righteous men and women to oversee the nations. His role will not be merely administrative but deeply spiritual, emphasizing moral and spiritual formation as much as governance.
No nation will maintain military forces, for such measures will no longer be necessary. Instead, peace will be sustained through righteous leadership and divine order.
Beings from higher spiritual dimensions—the fifth, sixth, and seventh—will actively participate in the renewal of the nations, walking among humanity and ministering to them. Though they reside in the spiritual realm, they may enter the material world in four distinct ways.
First, through incarnation: the soul enters the material realm via human reproduction, becoming flesh and blood and living as a citizen of the earth like any other person.
Second, by direct manifestation: the individual appears on earth as a fully grown person. Though possessing flesh and blood, the body does not age, and such a being is not considered an earthly citizen—resembling Melchizedek, described as having neither father nor mother.
Third, in a manner similar to angels: appearing not in flesh and blood but in a spiritual body that can manifest and withdraw at will, as with the three visitors who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18.
Fourth, by working through an angelic agent, carrying out their mission indirectly through a heavenly messenger.
– Daily Existence
Human life expectancy will extend to two hundred years, and sickness will be eradicated, greatly reducing the need for healthcare. Diets will shift entirely to fruits and vegetables, and humanity will no longer consume meat. Likewise, animals will cease preying upon one another; all creatures will become herbivorous, living in harmony.
Rain will no longer be necessary, as water will rise from underground sources to nourish the earth. The seas will gradually recede and, in time, disappear altogether. Extreme weather will cease, and the climate will remain stable and gentle.
In this renewed order, the earth itself will grow more radiant and beautiful, even revealing new hues and colors never before seen.
Applications
1. Live the Present Age Faithfully
Recognize that this era is a time of testing. Instead of resisting hardship, cultivate patience, perseverance, and steadfast love for truth. Let trials refine your motives and deepen your loyalty to God.
2. Develop “Grit” Before Seeking Glory
Foundational virtues must precede higher callings. Practice endurance in small, unseen areas of life. Spiritual maturity is built through consistent obedience, not dramatic moments.
3. Practice Millennial Virtues Now
Even in a chaotic world, intentionally cultivate empathy, discernment, and sacrificial love. Create pockets of “righteous order” in your home, church, and workplace where these virtues can flourish.
4. Make Worship a Way of Life
Move beyond formal expressions of faith. Integrate worship into daily routines—work, relationships, decisions—so that spirituality permeates ordinary living.
5. Redefine Work as Service
View your vocation not merely as income generation but as contribution to societal well-being. Prioritize integrity, justice, and the common good over personal advancement.
6. Lead and Submit Righteously
If entrusted with leadership, emphasize moral formation over control. If under authority, support and honor righteous leadership while rejecting manipulative ambition.
7. Live with Eternal Perspective
See earthly life as part of a larger redemptive process. Let the hope of Christ’s righteous reign shape your choices, values, and endurance today.
Prayer
Father, we embrace this age of testing. Forge in us the grit of patience and perseverance, preparing our souls to mirror Your virtues in Your coming righteous order. Amen.