23 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.
the redemption
The word “redemption” describes release or freedom paid by a price or ransom. Redemption is the process whereby someone pays for the freedom of someone else. Jesus paid a ransom so that we will have a future with Him. We will obtain that redemption on the “day of redemption:”
Eph 1:14, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Eph 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Note that God said not merely “unto redemption” but “unto the day of redemption.”
PRINCIPLE:
God has guaranteed that we will be glorified with Him in heaven.
APPLICATION:
God has made a pledge and guarantee that we will be with Him in glory. In order to do this He must reconstruct our bodies so that they are fit for heaven. Our current bodies are weak, susceptible to disease, and contain the sin capacity. Our reconstructed bodies will be just like the resurrection body of the Lord Jesus.
The believer’s ransom is our glorification, the revelation of the sons of God (8:19), or “the glorious freedom of the children of God” (8:21). This will happen at the Rapture of the church (before the renovation of creation at the Second Coming). Our bodies will be translated and transformed at that time. It is the “day of redemption” for the believer (Eph 4:30). In that day God will liberate us from decay and futility. That will be a day of glory!! “Oh, that will be glory for me.” This is the hope or confidence of the believer. God has indeed made a wonderful pledge to us. He put Himself on the line for this. We can, therefore, wait with eager anticipation for this.
This glorious truth demands service to the Lord (1 Co 15:58).
