Why do we, who possess the firstfruits

We are looking forward fervently to our adoption as sons of God, an adoption demonstrated by the redemption of our bodies.

It is important to note that it is the first resurrection, the redemption of our mortal body, that signifies our adoption as a son of God.

Today we possess the firstfruits of the Spirit of God. This means what we are experiencing in our inner born-again nature is the freedom of the glory of the children of God that one day will permeate the material creation.

Our physical body is dead—cut off from the Life of God because of the law of sin that abides in the members of our body.

When Jesus returns He will abolish every claim of sin on our mortal body and will fill and transform our body with incorruptible resurrection life. This is the first resurrection from the dead, the redemption of our body from the hand of the last enemy, death.

The transformation of our mortal body by the resurrection life of Christ will establish us as sons of God, just as Christ was declared to be the Son of God when the Holy Spirit exercised the power that raised Him from the dead (Romans 1:14).

As soon as our body has been redeemed we will be able to think, speak, and act in perfect righteousness, holiness, and obedience to God.

Our inner, spiritual nature is born of God, but our body is adopted.