Redemption of the body

[Romans 8:23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

The whole contents of the Scripture say one thing: Be saved first, and then save others for the rest of your lives. This is the first commandment to love God and the second one to love neighbors.

If so, what did Paul, the model of those who lived according to the Scripture, do? What did he desire and live for the rest of his life after he was saved in Damascus/Arabia? He naturally longed for saving others all his life. What he sincerely hoped for all his life was leading his brothers to the perfect salvation.

Paul who has the firstfruits of the Spirit (i.e., Paul who is saved) in the Romans waits for the redemption of his body, signifying that his brothers are saved. At that time, Paul will be confirmed as son of God. Therefore, it is not OK when he is saved (i.e., adopted), but his salvation (i.e., adoption) is confirmed by having his brothers saved, and this is the redemption of the body. He sincerely hoped that those who heard the gospel he preaches would be saved. It is because his salvation will be made complete when they are saved.

by Chung DuckYoung, pastor