“For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God” (Rom. 8:19 NKJ).
John referred to Satan as that old serpent, the devil (Rev. 12:7). Jesus indicates that our enemy has been a liar and a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). Paul called his lies profane and old wive’s tales (1 Tim. 4:7).
Peter spoke of the unregenerated world system as the old world (2 Pet. 2:5) and said the present solar system is of old (2 Pet. 3:5), emphasizing that they are both reserved unto fire against the day of judgment (2 Pet. 3:7).
John spoke prophetically of a new heaven and a new earth whose capital will be the city of God – the holy city, new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-2). In this verse Paul speaks of how eagerly creation awaits the appearance of this new creation at the time of the Second Coming of Christ, the “earnest expectation” of which he calls “the blessed hope” of the Church (Titus 2:13).
In the original Greek text, the word translated earnest expectation is apokaradokia (ap-ok-ar-ok-ee’-ah). It is a compound word made up of three words: apo, “away from”; kara, “the head”; and dokeo, “intense anticipation.”
Thus, this word has two connotations: abstraction (turning the head away from any distracting influence), and absorption (looking with intensity, concentration, and anticipation). One translation of this verse says: “All creation is yearning” (another says “on tiptoe”) “to see the wonderful sight of the sons of God coming into their own.”
As Christians, our “own” is totally new and perfect creation in which we will enjoy total fulfillment and complete joy forever and ever! What a prospect!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.