When we ask what the “groaning of creation” in Romans 8:19-22 means, many today expect an answer addressing environmentalism and creation-care. The desire to relate this passage to such contemporary discussions is certainly a good one. But first we need to place this passage in its original context to be sure of its own meaning….

In Romans 8:19-22, Paul lifts the gaze of his readers from their present circumstances to look around at an entire creation that shares in their suffering and hope and to look forward to the incomparable glory that awaits. Other than John 1:14 (“the Word became flesh”), this text is perhaps the most significant in the…

It has been a common (though not universal) assumption in the history of Christian thought that humans were created immortal, and only lost their immortality with the entrance of death as the consequence for sin. This is, however, a misreading of the biblical data, which suggests that humans were created mortal with the possibility of…

May 25, 2016 was a day to be forgotten by most historical books and hardly recognized by its contemporary chroniclers. Were it not for digital publication, hardly a record of the tremor would have even been felt. Yet, that day marks the death of one whom Kevin Vanhoozer has called the “greatest living theologian,” John…

“I’ve given up fighting,” my friend said, “but I haven’t given up hope.” We sat together in his home, surrounded by medical equipment provided by hospice. My friend was glad to be out of the hospital. Each time he went to the ER or for a Hospital visit, his weary body was battered by the…

Martin Luther looks forward from Adam to resurrection and Consummation (Genesis 2:21-22) But the sleep of Adam—so sound that he was not aware of what was being done to him—is a picture, as it were, of the transformation which would have taken place in the state of innocence. The righteous nature would have experienced no death but…

The shadow of suffering and death casts widely over human life, not only in the midst of toil and the hope for a brighter tomorrow, but also in the intellectual struggle for the belief in a sovereign and benevolent God. While many issues wax and wane with the passing of time, the seeming futility of…