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.

⁶ I am sure of this, that he who started a good work^(A) in you^[a] will carry it on to completion^(B) until the day of Christ Jesus.

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)

The Source of Life

22 Then he showed me the river^[a] of the water of life,^(A) clear as crystal,^(B) flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb^{(C) 2} down the middle of the city’s main street. The tree of life was on each side of the river, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month.^(D) The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations,^{(E) 3} and there will no longer be any curse.^(F) The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will worship him. ⁴ They will see his face,^(G) and his name will be on their foreheads.^{(H) 5} Night will be no more;^(I) people will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light,^(J) and they will reign forever and ever.