What does it mean that the creation was made subject to vanity?
It means creation was subjected to the curse, not by its own will, but by God, who subjected it in hope. When the curse fell, God promised a Redeemer, and creation now groans under corruption while awaiting deliverance into the glorious liberty of God’s children.
Les explains Romans 8:20 in light of the curse. The creation was made subject to vanity—that is, the curse—not willingly, but by reason of Him who subjected the same in hope. The moment the curse fell, God promised a Redeemer, and Genesis 3:15 follows the curse. So creation’s subjection is not hopeless. Les also notes that creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption, which is the curse again, 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. Until then, the whole creation groans and travails in pain together under the curse, and believers also groan within themselves, waiting for the adoption—the redemption of the body—which will complete 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
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.