What was the hope in which God subjected creation to the curse?
The hope was the promised day of restoration and redemption, when the curse would finally be lifted. God subjected creation to vanity not willingly, but in hope, immediately promising a future time of restoration; all creation waits for that day of delivery from the curse.
Les explains that the creation was made subject to vanity—that is, the curse—not willingly, because creation had nothing to do with Adam’s sin. It was subjected by the one who did it “in hope.” As soon as Adam sinned and the curse fell, God immediately came back and promised the time of restoration. So all of creation constantly looks for the day when the curse will finally be lifted. Les connects this to the coming seven terrible years, whose purpose is to bring the earth to a delivery—the delivery of the planet from the curse. From the very day it was subjected, God began promising 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,
What did God promise after Adam's sin brought the curse?
Immediately after Adam sinned and the curse fell, God promised a coming time of restoration. Creation was subjected to vanity in hope, and God began promising that a day of redemption would come when the curse would finally be lifted.
What does it mean in Romans 8:20 that creation was subjected in hope?
Romans 8:20 means creation was subjected to vanity and the curse not by its own will, but by God, who immediately provided hope. That hope is the promised remedy through the Redeemer, the Son, and the seed of the woman, ensuring the day is coming when the curse will be lifted.
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.
What did God promise at the moment the curse fell?
The moment the curse fell, God promised a Redeemer, which is what Genesis 3:15 following the curse refers to.
Why did creation not willingly submit to the curse?
Creation was subjected to the curse unwillingly, because it had nothing to do with Adam's sin.