Hope

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25

The pain of childbirth is not meaningless; it is accompanied by a hope of new life. The same for creation, as it carries with it the hope of redemption. Paul says that we too are inwardly groaning as we await the final phase of our adoption — the redemption of our bodies (Phil 3:21). In the Old Testament first fruits consisted of the initial portion of the harvest that was given in sacrifice to God. Paul used the same term in reference to the gift of the Spirit as down payment or promise of what is to come. The Spirit is evidence that at the present time we are the sons of God. Our salvation involves the hope that our mortal bodies will someday be freed from the bondage of decay (v. 24). We are not saved by hope, but our salvation is encouraged by hope. Why would we hope for that which is in plain view? So since we are hoping for something that is still unseen, we are to wait for it with patience.