The Redemption Of Our Body

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. 

Romans 8:23

Christ redeems us entirely. This means that everything about us experiences the effects of redemption. Christ changes us mentally, spiritually, and socially. He also changes us physically. If we can put a chronology to it, that transformation comes last. We are redeemed, and the transformative work which Christ is doing in us has already begun. We are, however, still saddled with a body that is declining. Even if we dedicate ourselves to a healthy diet, exercise, and an active lifestyle, our bodies will age and wear out. At a certain point, we seem to labor twice as much to gain half the result. Thus, we come to the point in life where ‘we ourselves groan within ourselves eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.’ That’s fair enough. It is not wrong for us to look forward to something better. It brings us to look to Christ. He has a glorified body and will give us a body that is like His. If we live daily with continuous pain, this is a glorious prospect. To live for all eternity without the pain we currently endure would be wonderful indeed. ‘A few more rolling suns, at most, will land us safe on heaven’s coast.’ We have a glorious future that includes the redemption of our bodies. Jesus does a completely redemptive work.   

Our Wise and Wonderful God, 
we rejoice that You provide for us a whole redemption. 
We look forward to the day when  
You will make us like Christ.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning