Why Is Creation Subject to Vanity and What Hope Does It Have?

Direct Answer

Yes, creation is subject to vanity due to Adam's sin, but it was subjected in hope of future deliverance.

The Bible says creation was made subject to vanity (the curse) not willingly, but because of Adam's sin. However, this subjection was done in hope, looking forward to the day when creation will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Key Scriptures

Romans 8:20-21 — These verses directly state that creation was subjected to vanity in hope and will be delivered from corruption.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible says that creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who subjected it in hope. This vanity refers to the curse that came upon the earth after Adam's sin. Creation itself did not choose this condition; it was imposed by God because of man's disobedience. Furthermore, the Bible reveals that creation itself will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. It eagerly waits for that day, groaning and travailing in pain until now, just as believers groan waiting for the redemption of their bodies.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About Creation's Vanity and Hope?

Les Feldick teaches that the curse fell on all creation because of Adam's sin, not because of anything creation did. The curse is what causes deserts, animal suffering, and the general corruption we see. However, from the very moment the curse fell, God promised a Redeemer, so creation was subjected in hope. Les emphasizes that all of creation is looking forward to the day when the curse will be lifted. That will happen when Christ rules as King of Kings and believers rule and reign with Him. At that time, creation will be delivered from bondage and come under the dominion of the children of God.

What Does It Mean That Creation Was Subjected 'Not Willingly'?

Les Feldick explains that creation was not at fault for the curse; it was Adam's fault. The curse fell on everything—animate and inanimate—because of man's sin. Creation had no choice in the matter.

What Is the Hope That Creation Was Subjected In?

When the curse fell, God immediately promised a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). That promise is the hope. Creation was subjected to the curse while looking forward to the day when it would be delivered from corruption and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

How Will Creation Be Delivered From the Curse?

Les teaches that the curse will be paid off through the tribulation, and the world will be delivered. All of nature will come under the rule and reign of Christ and believers when He returns to set up His kingdom. This is when creation will experience its full redemption.

What Does It Mean That Creation 'Groaneth and Travaileth in Pain'?

Les uses the example of a cottontail rabbit to illustrate that animals live in constant duress—searching for food and trying not to be eaten. This is not the way God originally intended creation to be. All of creation, along with believers, groans while waiting for the redemption.

From the Teaching

Bema Seat Explained: Believer Rewards & Glorified Bodies

Father. The Spirit itself, the King James, I like Himself, the Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit that we are, present tense, not will be, but we are already the children of God. Now then verse 17, if we're children, now the Greek word here is teknon, which means the born ones, born from above. And if children, then what? Heirs.

The Curse and Hope

Les explains that creation was made subject to vanity (the curse) because of Adam's sin, but God promised a Redeemer immediately, so it was done in hope.

Creation Not at Fault

Les clarifies that the curse was not creation's fault but Adam's, and that creation was subjected in hope.

Curse on All Creation

Les shows that the curse affected everything—animate and inanimate—causing deserts and suffering, but all creation looks forward to deliverance.

Redemption Plan

Les explains that when God cursed the planet, He immediately made a plan of redemption to bring everything back to Himself, leading to creation's deliverance.

Delivery From Bondage

Les teaches that creation will be delivered from corruption and come under the control of the children of God when Christ rules.

Creation Groaning

Les illustrates that all of creation, even animals, is under constant duress and groans while waiting for the curse to be lifted.

What Happens When the Lamb Opens the Seals — Revelation 6

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, and not only they..." In other words, not only all the other aspects of creation, but yes, we humans as well. We as those who believe. "...and not only the whole creation, but ourselves also," verse 23, "...

Bible Verses

Romans 8:20: For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

This verse directly addresses why creation is subject to vanity—it was subjected by God in hope.

Romans 8:21: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

This verse gives the hope: creation will be delivered from corruption.

Romans 8:22: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

This verse shows creation's current state of groaning while waiting.

Romans 8:23: And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

This verse connects believers' groaning with creation's groaning in hope.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did creation become subject to vanity?

Creation became subject to vanity because of Adam's sin. The curse fell on everything—animate and inanimate—not because of anything creation did, but because of man's disobedience. (Romans 8:20)

What is the hope that creation has?

The hope is that creation will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. This will happen when Christ rules and believers reign with Him, lifting the curse.

When will creation be delivered?

Creation will be delivered when the curse is lifted at Christ's second coming and His kingdom is established. Believers will rule and reign with Him over a renewed creation.

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Source Video

Watch the Teaching: Bema Seat Explained: Believer Rewards & Glorified Bodies