What does it mean that the creation was made subject to vanity in Romans 8:20?
Being made subject to vanity means the creation was subjected to the curse. It did not happen willingly, but by God who subjected it in hope, because the moment the curse fell God promised a Redeemer. The creation waits for deliverance from corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Les explains that the creation being made subject to vanity refers to the curse that fell upon creation. It was not willingly subjected, but by God who subjected it in hope, because immediately after the curse God promised a Redeemer, as Genesis 3:15 follows the curse. Creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. All creation will come under the rule and reign of believers as joint heirs with Christ. Meanwhile the whole creation groans and travails under the curse, and believers also groan within themselves, waiting for the adoption, the redemption of the body. The soul and spirit are already redeemed for the believer, but the body remains unredeemed and under the curse. The Holy Spirit's presence is God's down payment that He will complete the transaction and redeem body, soul, and spirit together.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
More Questions
What does it mean that creation was subjected to vanity in hope?
Creation was made subject to vanity 'in hope,' because just as soon as the curse fell God came back and declared that He had a remedy.