Wednesday | 05 February 2025
The third phase of redemption is the redemption of the body at the second coming of Christ. This is the fulfilment of the adoption. Describing this culmination of redemption and adoption, Paul wrote, ‘Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.’ Rom 8:23-25.
In this passage, Paul was referring to the second coming of Christ, when we are made incorruptible and immortal. We then put on our heavenly body and become completely spiritual in body, soul and spirit – just as Christ was, when He rose from the dead after three days and three nights in the tomb. At this point, we are no longer a ‘firstfruits of the Spirit’ people, who are members of Christ’s body. Rather, we have proceeded from Him to be His bride, the heavenly Jerusalem. Each person is a temple of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the throne of the Father and the Lamb, as the expression of the river of life that flows out from the offering life of Yahweh Elohim.
This is the order of life for the rest of eternity in the new heavens and earth, for those who belong to the bride city, the New Jerusalem. The temple of Christ’s body will have completed its work. Its dispensation will end, leaving the Father and the Son, together, ruling from one throne from which the life of God will proceed to us, and from us, as a river of life. This river will sustain the ever-increasing multitude that is within the kingdom of God. Rev 22:1-5.
Further Study:
ROMANS 8
References:
Rom 8:23-25
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Rev 22:1-5
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.