From Suffering to Glory

¹⁸ For I consider that ^(A)the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For ^(B)the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For ^(C)the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; ²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of ^[a]corruption into the glorious ^(D)liberty of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation ^(E)groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ²³ Not only that, but we also who have ^(F)the firstfruits of the Spirit, ^(G)even we ourselves groan ^(H)within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the ^(I)redemption of our body. ²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but ^(J)hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For ^(K)we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but ^(L)the Spirit Himself makes intercession ^[b]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now ^(M)He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints ^(N)according to the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those ^(O)who are the called according to His purpose. ²⁹ For whom ^(P)He foreknew, ^(Q)He also predestined ^(R)to be conformed to the image of His Son, ^(S)that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also ^(T)called; whom He called, these He also ^(U)justified; and whom He justified, these He also ^(V)glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? ^(W)If God is for us, who can be against us? ^32 (X)He who did not spare His own Son, but ^(Y)delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? ^(Z)It is God who justifies. ^34 (AA)Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, ^(AB)who is even at the right hand of God, ^(AC)who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

^37 (AE)Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor ^(AF)principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

¹⁶ For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁷ And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; ^(A)you are still in your sins! ¹⁸ Then also those who have ^[a]fallen ^(B)asleep in Christ have perished. ^19 (C)If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

The Last Enemy Destroyed

²⁰ But now ^(D)Christ is risen from the dead, and has become ^(E)the firstfruits of those who have ^[b]fallen asleep. ²¹ For ^(F)since by man came death, ^(G)by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall ^(H)be made alive. ²³ But ^(I)each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. ²⁴ Then comes the end, when He delivers ^(J)the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For He must reign ^(K)till He has put all enemies under His feet. ^26 (L)The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. ²⁷ For ^(M)“He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. ^28 (N)Now when all things are made subject to Him, then ^(O)the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen ^[a]asleep, lest you sorrow ^(A)as others ^(B)who have no hope. ¹⁴ For ^(C)if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him ^(D)those who ^[b]sleep in Jesus.

¹⁵ For this we say to you ^(E)by the word of the Lord, that ^(F)we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are ^[c]asleep. ¹⁶ For ^(G)the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with ^(H)the trumpet of God. ^(I)And the dead in Christ will rise first. ^17 (J)Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ^(K)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus ^(L)we shall always be with the Lord. ^18 (M)Therefore comfort one another with these words.

A Heavenly Inheritance

^3 (A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who ^(B)according to His abundant mercy ^(C)has begotten us again to a living hope ^(D)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance ^[a]incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, ^(E)reserved in heaven for you, ^5 (F)who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

^6 (G)In this you greatly rejoice, though now ^(H)for a little while, if need be, ^(I)you have been ^[b]grieved by various trials, ⁷ that ^(J)the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though ^(K)it is tested by fire, ^(L)may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ^8 (M)whom having not ^[c]seen you love. ^(N)Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.