Romans 8:20-21
[20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
‘vanity’ ...God chooses, not man. The birth is from above, not of man or man’s will or abilities. The circumcision is made without hands, made with God’s hand...man doesn’t do it. Then we reduce it all to ...but I believed first therefore I made the choice.
We believe because it is a work of God(Spirit). The word says the work of God is this: we believe on the Son.
‘born from above’ circumcised of God.
“The work of God” implies not man’s work but the word says “God’s work.” Is this.
Romans 9:15-16 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
How many times does God need to say it is Him so no man can claim it is of man? Yet we still do. We are not listening yet we claim ears. Jesus Christ crucified all things vain and void ...there is no respect of persons. why would God who freed us from the bondage of vanity and puffed up pride then put us back underneath ‘man does it’.
John 3:7-8
[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Do you have a problem with Christ ruling? To know He will and IS ruling over all? No. Because Christ does not rule as man rules but by Spirit. Do we look with hope toward the rule of the children of God? No. Because God says all the creation is anxious to be set free unto the children of God.
Which is better:
the spirit of a man ruled by the flesh.
Or the flesh ruled by the Spirit?