From Groans to Glory

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing^(A) with the glory^(B) that is going to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation^(C) for God’s sons^(D) to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected^(E) to futility^(F)—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it^(G)—in the hope ²¹ that the creation itself^(H) 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^(I) until now. ²³ Not only that,^(J) but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits^(K)—we also groan within ourselves,^(L) eagerly waiting for adoption,^(M) the redemption of our bodies.^{(N) 24} Now in this hope^(O) we were saved, but hope^(P) that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ Now if we hope for what we do not see,^(Q) we eagerly wait for it with patience.

²⁶ In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should,^(R) but the Spirit himself intercedes for us^[a](S) with inexpressible groanings. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(T) knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸ We know that all things work together^[b] for the good^[c] of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.^{(U) 29} For those he foreknew he also predestined^(V) to be conformed to the image of his Son,^(W) so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.^{(X) 30} And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified;^(Y) and those he justified, he also glorified.^(Z)

¹¹ Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord,^(A) we try to persuade people. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your consciences. ¹² We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a reply for those who take pride in outward appearance rather than in the heart. ¹³ For if we are out of our mind,^(B) it is for God; if we are in our right mind,^(C) it is for you. ¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us, since we have reached this conclusion, that one died for all,^(D) and therefore all died. ¹⁵ And he died for all^(E) so that those who live should no longer live for themselves,^(F) but for the one^(G) who died for them and was raised.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.^[a] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,^[b] yet now we no longer know him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;^(H) the old has passed away, and see,^(I) the new has^[c] come!^{(J) 18} Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.^{(K) 19} That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world^(L) to himself,^(M) not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors^(N) for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,^(O) “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He made the one who did not know sin^(P) to be sin^[d] for us,^(Q) so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The New Creation

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth;^(A) for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,^(B) and the sea was no more.^{(C) 2} I also saw the holy city,^(D) the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,^(E) prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.^(F)

³ Then I heard a loud voice^(G) from the throne:^[a](H) Look, God’s dwelling^[b] is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples,^[c](I) and God himself will be with them and will be their God.^{[d] 4} He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.^(J) Death will be no more;^(K) grief, crying, and pain will be no more,^(L) because the previous things^[e] have passed away.^(M)

⁵ Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words^[f] are faithful and true.”^{(N) 6} Then he said to me, “It is done!^(O) I am the Alpha and the Omega,^(P) the beginning and the end.^(Q) I will freely give to the thirsty^(R) from the spring of the water of life.^{(S) 7} The one who conquers^(T) will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son.^(U)