What does it mean that the creation was subjected to vanity?
It means the creation was made subject to the curse because of Adam's sin, not willingly, but by God, who subjected it in hope. From the day the curse fell, God promised restoration, and creation waits for the curse to be lifted and the earth delivered.
Les explains that when Romans 8:20 says the creation was made subject to vanity, it means the curse. The creation was subject to the curse, not willingly, because it had nothing to do with Adam's sin. Yet the one who subjected it did so in hope. As soon as Adam sinned and the curse fell, God immediately promised the time of restoration. All of creation is therefore looking constantly for the day when the curse will finally be lifted. Les connects this to the coming seven years, which will bring the world and the earth to delivery, and to Jesus' words in Matthew 24 about the days of travail producing delivery of the planet from the curse. From the very day creation was subjected to the curse, God promised a coming day of redemption for it.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
More Questions
Why was creation subjected to the curse unwillingly?
Creation was made subject to the curse unwillingly, because it had nothing to do with Adam's sin.