Romans 8:14-23
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.(A) 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba,[a] Father!”(B) 16 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,(C) 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.(D)
Destiny of Glory.[b] 18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.(E) 19 For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; 20 for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,(F) in hope 21 that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.(G) 22 We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;(H) 23 and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.(I)
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- 8:15 Abba: see note on Mk 14:36.
- 8:18–27 The glory that believers are destined to share with Christ far exceeds the sufferings of the present life. Paul considers the destiny of the created world to be linked with the future that belongs to the believers. As it shares in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so also will it share in the benefits of redemption and future glory that comprise the ultimate liberation of God’s people (Rom 8:19–22). After patient endurance in steadfast expectation, the full harvest of the Spirit’s presence will be realized. On earth believers enjoy the firstfruits, i.e., the Spirit, as a guarantee of the total liberation of their bodies from the influence of the rebellious old self (Rom 8:23).
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