Romans 8:18-25
18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God.20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”
Paul makes it clear that suffering is a reality for Christians. God does not protect His children from a hard life. In contradiction to the prosperity Gospel which states that Christ died to make us healthy and wealthy, real Christianity is knowing Christ within us in the midst of the pains of the world.
Revealing of the sons and daughters of God: The world is fallen, and the planet is broken. As a result, nature is looking for the full revelation of God’s children in eager expectation of deliverance from pain and suffering. This eager expectation of deliverance from pain and suffering would not be needed if prosperity theology were true. There would be no reason to await eagerly for God’s redemption of the universe.
Glory of the children of God: Christians often talk about giving God the glory. But Scripture is clear: God has actually given us His glory (John 17:22). But we are waiting for the full revelation of our glory which will come when God restores all things.
We ourselves grown: Paul again leaves no room for prosperity theology. If the prosperity gospel were true, then Paul would encourage Christians to “name and claim” their deliverance from pain. But instead, Paul insists that we await a new body and a new life to be given when Jesus returns.
