Romans 8:19-25 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
On the day Jesus Christ died, he completed our redemption, and that of creation.
2 Peter 3:12-14 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Just as I won't see my redemption until the "end" of my life, the earth won't look redeemed until it's "end". Yet in Christ I have the hope for myself, my loved ones, and indeed the whole earth, that we are being renewed.
Do I wish to discourage anyone from sacrificing their time, energy, or resources by limiting their consumption of oil, plastic, or some other material good for the comfort of others? No, I think sacrifice for others is something that done for the right reasons, can glorify the Lord. But you, I, and all of us together do NOT need to save the earth: that has already been done.
John 19:30 "It is finished."
