"Calvary and the Creation" Romans 8:18-23. (Preached in Cookstown FPC as part of a special week of meetings marking the Saviour's death and resurrection) These words convey the image of the natural creation looking forward and reaching out in eagerness, straining in conscious anticipation of the glorious blessings which are to fall upon it in the future and which will bring it untold benefits. By the word "creature" in verse 19 we are to understand the natural creation. I think that is made clear in verse 22. "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." This passage presents to us in figurative terms changes that are to come upon this earth in a future time. Could I just list for you the four conditions the creation will experience. 1. Its time of perfection. 2. As it is now, subject to the curse brought upon it by man's sin. 3. As it will be in the Millennium. 4. As it will be after the Millennium, when the "new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness," 2 Peter 3:13, are brought into being. What is anticipated in this passage is that time of deliverance when the Lord Jesus shall come again and remove for a time the power of evil presently reigning in this earth. It is that period spoken of in Revelation 20:1-6. It is further described in passages such as Isaiah 11:6-9 and 65:25. Let us learn from the words of Paul.