²⁸ But when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near.”^(A)

¹⁹ For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation^(A) for God’s sons^(B) to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected^(C) to futility^(D)—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it^(E)—in the hope ²¹ that the creation itself^(F) will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains^(G) until now. ²³ Not only that,^(H) but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits^(I)—we also groan within ourselves,^(J) eagerly waiting for adoption,^(K) the redemption of our bodies.^{(L) 24} Now in this hope^(M) we were saved, but hope^(N) that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ Now if we hope for what we do not see,^(O) we eagerly wait for it with patience.

⁵ that you were enriched in him^(A) in every way, in all speech and all knowledge.^{(B) 6} In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you,^{(C) 7} so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait^(D) for the revelation^(E) of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁸ He will also strengthen you to the end,^(F) so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(G)

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious^(A) body,^(B) by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.

¹³ These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance,^(A) greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.^{(B) 14} Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. ¹⁵ If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. ¹⁶ But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.^(C)