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.