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Yesterday
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This new friend of mine was briefly in our parking garage, and then settled near me long enough that I was able to take three photos.
I suppose, biblically, with a new creation (Revelation 20-22), wild animal-human contact would be much more typical. In whatever ways the human fall (Genesis 1-3. Romans 8) impacted the animal world, the results would be reversed.
Romans 8: 19-23
19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, [a]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 this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. a. Romans 8:20 Or in hope; because the creation.
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Photo 1
Cranfield suggests that the Apostle Paul here in verse 19, is explaining 'the whole-splendid theatre of the universe and all the manifold sub-human life within it as eagerly awaiting the revelation of the sons of God.' Cranfield (1992: 195). Humanity are the sons of God, in the context of regenerated, believing Christians having the atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ applied to them, which includes the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ (Romans, Galatians). In the atonement, which is multifaceted, believers are justified and sanctified. In the future resurrection, believers are restored to physical, finite, sinless, perfection. (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4).
Bruce explains in regards to verse 22 ...'it carries with it the hope of new life for all creation.' Bruce (1987: 164).
Mounce is his Romans commentary opines in regards to verse 20-21 that 'As sin brought the curse of death to the physical universe, the day is coming when a new heaven and earth will be in place (2 Peter 3: 13; Revelation 21: 1).' Mounce (1995: 185).
From Orthodoxy: In regards to verse 22, 'the transformation of all creation to be eternally in harmony with God's sovereign rule.' (The Orthodox Study Bible: 357).
Photo 3
BRUCE, F.F. (1987) Romans, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers.
The Orthodox Study Bible, New Testament and Psalms, (1993) Saint Athanasius Orthodox Academy, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
