Romans 8:21

Because. Greek hoti, which should be translated “that,” if “in hope” (see on v. 20) is connected with v. 21.

The creature. Rather, “the creation” (see on v. 19).

The bondage of corruption. That is, the state of subjection resulting in dissolution and decay. Unwilling subjection to a condition that results in corruption is well termed “bondage.”

The glorious liberty. Literally, “the liberty of the glory.” Liberty is one of the elements of the state of glory mentioned in v. 18. In the emancipation that will take place at the appearance of Christ the whole creation hopes to share.

For the children of God “the liberty of the glory” will mean complete freedom from the presence and power of sin, freedom from temptation, from calamity, from death. In the future state of glory they will be free to exercise all their powers in perfect harmony with the will and purposes of God. The highest form of liberty is to be under the sovereignty and government of the all-wise Creator. In the new earth it will ever be our joy and desire to do only those things that please God. Such a life of eternal obedience is true freedom. The long history of sin has proved that all is slavery but the service of God, all is bondage but submission to the divine commands.