11/06/11 - Pastor David B. Curtis - Berean Bible Church - http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org - Message #575

The majority view of this text is that Paul is talking about the physical creation. Most believers see this text as talking about the physical re-creation of the planet. They see the planet as under a curse that will be lifted at the return of Christ.

As I have said, I think this text is talking about Israel. Believing Israelites are the "creation." The Greek word used here for "creation" is ktisis, which occurs 20 times in the New Testament and can be translated as either "creation" or "creature," depending upon the context. I don't see our physical world as being cursed. Jesus did not die for animals, bugs and plants. God told Adam that he would die--that is the curse. This passage is all about Israel, not the physical creation.