Sermon Devotional: Our World Made New
Sermon Title: Our World Made New
Scripture: Romans 8:18-23 (ESV)
“…that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21
In our sermon series on the book of Revelation, last week we paused and focused on what Scripture tells us about our future, eternal, restored resurrected bodies. This week we are doing the same with the whole of creation. No better place to start than Romans 8:18-23, which paints a breathtaking picture of our world longing for restoration. Please take a moment and read those verses.
What, ultimately, will happen to creation? To answer this question, let us back up and look at the entire story of creation in Scripture. I would summarize this as -- Good, Groans & Glimpses, and Genesis Again!
It was Good! – The account of God’s creation in Genesis One and Two is clear. Over again, God pronounced it good. Imagine a pristine world untouched by sin – a place where every blade of grass was green, every stream was pure and clear, every tree flourished full of fruit, creatures lived in perfect harmony, and humanity enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God. And all of this was entrusted to Adam and Eve for joyful and faithful stewardship. That was God’s good original design.
Groans & Glimpses! – Everything changed when Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan over God. They exchanged the truth for a lie, and sin divided paradise. The door opened for disease, disaster, and death to enter. This is the world we live in today – the land of the dying. Not only for humanity, but all of creation came under the curse of sin and . . . we groan (8:22).
But God did not destroy all of creation, Though it was cursed, it was not destroyed. Even now, we can still see glimpses of that original beauty. Majestic mountains, breathtaking sunsets, flourishing forests, and the wonder of life all remind us that the Creator's fingerprints remain on His world.
These glimpses point us forward to full restoration.
Genesis again! – Jesus Christ came to accomplish what we never could. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the grave, defeating death itself. Through Him, we are forgiven, restored to God, and given the sure hope of living in a renewed creation forever. Jesus called this future restoration the “renewal of all things.” (Mt 19:28) The Greek word He used was palingenesia, which broken down means Genesis again.
Want to imagine eternity? Go back to Genesis 1 and 2. Picture everything you love in our world…but now free from disease, disaster, death! Jesus gave us previews of his inaugurated kingdom that is to come.
Brothers and sisters, the reality of Genesis again is hopeful! Revelation 21:1–3 reveals the glorious conclusion of God's story. Heaven comes down to a restored earth, and God dwells with His people forever. It is the definitive answer to the Lord’s prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God does not scrap His good creation. He will restore and fulfill His original purpose for His people and His world.
Today, whatever groaning you experience, remember this: it is not the end of the story. The Creator who declared His world "good" is bringing about "Genesis again." One day, all creation—and all who belong to Christ—will rejoice together in a world made new.
Consider—
╬ Until then, how does trusting in God’s ultimate promise to make ‘all things new’ affect your daily choices?
╬ For a ‘glimpse’ this week, go for a walk outside with the beautiful mountains of Colorado in view. Meditate on Isaiah 55:12, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
╬ Heavenly Father, Creator of the heavens and the earth, we thank You for the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us. With that said, we see the brokenness in the world and in our own lives. Help us to trust You. Remind us of the glorious future that is coming when You renew everything. In the meantime, may we be lights shining to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Scripture: Romans 8:18-23 (ESV)
“…that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21
In our sermon series on the book of Revelation, last week we paused and focused on what Scripture tells us about our future, eternal, restored resurrected bodies. This week we are doing the same with the whole of creation. No better place to start than Romans 8:18-23, which paints a breathtaking picture of our world longing for restoration. Please take a moment and read those verses.
What, ultimately, will happen to creation? To answer this question, let us back up and look at the entire story of creation in Scripture. I would summarize this as -- Good, Groans & Glimpses, and Genesis Again!
It was Good! – The account of God’s creation in Genesis One and Two is clear. Over again, God pronounced it good. Imagine a pristine world untouched by sin – a place where every blade of grass was green, every stream was pure and clear, every tree flourished full of fruit, creatures lived in perfect harmony, and humanity enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God. And all of this was entrusted to Adam and Eve for joyful and faithful stewardship. That was God’s good original design.
Groans & Glimpses! – Everything changed when Adam and Eve chose to believe Satan over God. They exchanged the truth for a lie, and sin divided paradise. The door opened for disease, disaster, and death to enter. This is the world we live in today – the land of the dying. Not only for humanity, but all of creation came under the curse of sin and . . . we groan (8:22).
But God did not destroy all of creation, Though it was cursed, it was not destroyed. Even now, we can still see glimpses of that original beauty. Majestic mountains, breathtaking sunsets, flourishing forests, and the wonder of life all remind us that the Creator's fingerprints remain on His world.
These glimpses point us forward to full restoration.
Genesis again! – Jesus Christ came to accomplish what we never could. He lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the grave, defeating death itself. Through Him, we are forgiven, restored to God, and given the sure hope of living in a renewed creation forever. Jesus called this future restoration the “renewal of all things.” (Mt 19:28) The Greek word He used was palingenesia, which broken down means Genesis again.
Want to imagine eternity? Go back to Genesis 1 and 2. Picture everything you love in our world…but now free from disease, disaster, death! Jesus gave us previews of his inaugurated kingdom that is to come.
- No more Demons (Luke 11:20)
- No more Disease (Matthew 4:23 – “…healing every disease”)
- No more Disaster (Mark 4:39 – “Peace! Be still!”)
- No more Death (John 11:43 – “Lazurus, come forth!”)
Brothers and sisters, the reality of Genesis again is hopeful! Revelation 21:1–3 reveals the glorious conclusion of God's story. Heaven comes down to a restored earth, and God dwells with His people forever. It is the definitive answer to the Lord’s prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God does not scrap His good creation. He will restore and fulfill His original purpose for His people and His world.
Today, whatever groaning you experience, remember this: it is not the end of the story. The Creator who declared His world "good" is bringing about "Genesis again." One day, all creation—and all who belong to Christ—will rejoice together in a world made new.
Consider—
╬ Until then, how does trusting in God’s ultimate promise to make ‘all things new’ affect your daily choices?
╬ For a ‘glimpse’ this week, go for a walk outside with the beautiful mountains of Colorado in view. Meditate on Isaiah 55:12, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
╬ Heavenly Father, Creator of the heavens and the earth, we thank You for the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us. With that said, we see the brokenness in the world and in our own lives. Help us to trust You. Remind us of the glorious future that is coming when You renew everything. In the meantime, may we be lights shining to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.