Audio commentary on this verse

Note 9 at Rom. 8:23: The Holy Spirit is called the "firstfruit" (see ref. g at this verse) of our salvation. Where there is a firstfruit, there has to be more fruit. Paul spoke of the Holy Spirit as being the earnest or down payment of our salvation with more to come (2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:14).

As wonderful as our salvation is right here in this life, it is not complete. Our flesh (see note 3 at Rom. 7:18, p. 790) is a constant source of trouble and even victorious Christians groan for the time when we will be delivered from this flesh at the redemption of our body (2 Cor. 5:1-4).

Note 10 at Rom. 8:23: The word "adoption" is used five times in the New Testament (Rom. 8:15,23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). People draw many analogies from this term that have merit, but this verse makes it very clear that the term "adoption" is referring to the time when we will receive our glorified bodies.

Note 11 at Rom. 8:23: Jesus purchased redemption for us-spirit, soul, and body. But our redemption is not completed yet. Our spirits are the only part of us that have experienced total redemption (see note 3 at Mt. 26:41, p. 507).

The English word "redemption" is translated from the Greek word "apolutrosis" which means "to ransom in full" (Strong's). However, it is not only specifying more than just the payment of a ransom but the releasing that comes as a result (W.E. Vine). Paul is speaking of the time when we will experience in our bodies what Jesus has already purchased for us.

This can be illustrated by the way we use trading stamps. First, the stamps have to be purchased, then they are redeemed for the desired product. The purchase is essential but so is the redemption. No one really wants the stamps. They want what the stamps can be redeemed for.

The purchase for our total salvation has already been made with the blood of Jesus, but our bodies are not redeemed yet. That is to say that we have not received all the benefits of that transaction in our physical bodies yet. That will take place at the second coming of the Lord when we receive our new glorified bodies (see note 3 at Lk. 24:39, p. 555).