What does it mean when believers receive the redemption of their bodies?
The redemption of the body is the future completion believers await, described as adoption or a great transaction. Having the firstfruits of the Spirit, they groan inwardly for that day when they are ushered into the glorious rule and reign, and the curse is lifted from creation.
Les explains that believers who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan within themselves while waiting for the adoption, that great transaction—the redemption of the body. That day is when they will be ushered into the glorious rule and reign. All creation is waiting for it too, because the curse will be lifted. As Isaiah chapter 11 shows, animals will cohabit peacefully; the wolf will lie down with the bear, and the lion and the ox will feed. Even the cottontail cannot relax now because of the curse, but that is not how God first created it, and the curse is going to be lifted.