“ The creation ” refers to mankind with the earthly hope, those who will benefit from “the revealing ” of God’s spirit - anointed sons.
١٨ كَيْفَ سَيَنَالُ ٱلْبَشَرُ ٱلطَّائِعُونَ ٱلْحُرِّيَّةَ شَيْئًا فَشَيْئًا ؟‏