Romans 8:19 – For the Creation eagerly awaits the manifestation of the sons of God.
Part 3 ~ The Manifestation Of The Sons Of God
As many as have been born of the Spirit and who walk in the Spirit are the sons of God (Romans 8:14,16; John 1:12; 1 John 3:1-2; Galatians 4:6). Yet, there is a dimension of glory that will only be expressed by the sons of God in the future when these earthly bodies put on the heavenly one (Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 13:12, 15:23, 42-44, 53-56; 2 Corinthians 4:14, 17-18).
Here in Romans 8 verses 16 and 17, the Greek word for children, ‘teknon’ was used. Now, the word for son is used ‘huios’ again as in verse 14. The Greek phrase for “sons of God” is used twice in Romans, twice in the Gospels and once in Galatians (Romans 8:14,19; Matthew 5:9; Luke 20:36; Galatians 3:26). The saints are referred to as the ‘sons’, ‘huios’ four times, twice in Galatians 4:5-6 and twice in Hebrews 12:7-8. The Greek phrase for “children of God” is found 11 times and God’s saints are referred to as children 1 time (John 1:12, 11:52; Romans 8:16, 21, 9:8,26; and Philippians 2:15; 1 John 3:1,2, 10, 5:2; Ephesians 5:1). It appears that these words are interchangeable and that no definite intent to describe a difference between saints now and in the future is being communicated. Furthermore, Israel is referred to as the sons of God even though they were not born after His Spirit (Deuteronomy 14:1; Jeremiah 3:22; Ezekiel 2:4). The only distinction we might make is that Old Testament son-ship refers to a covenant relationship instead of the spiritual birth enjoyed by those of the New Covenant.
There is a special revelation of the sons of God that will be manifested when our corruptible bodies put on incorruption (which Paul refers to here as the redemption of the body, verse 23). At that time, Satan will be bound for 1000 years and Jesus, the King of Kings, will rule and reign with the sons of God on the Earth (Revelation 20:2-4, 6; Revelation 1:6, 5:8-10). Also, at that time all Creation will be delivered from its bondage; the lion will eat straw like the ox and the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the poisonous snake will no longer strike out with its deadly venom (Isaiah 11:6-9, 65:25). The sons of God will rule this Earth with God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus will rule the nations for 1000 years until the last enemy death is forever destroyed (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3; 1 Corinthians 15:25-28; Revelation 20:7-15, Revelation 21:4). All of the nations will be subjugated to the rule of God and all of Israel will pass under His rod (Ezekiel 20:37-38; Zechariah 14:9, 8:22-23).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
