16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit(A) that we are God’s children.(B) 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs(C)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings(D) in order that we may also share in his glory.(E)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.(F) 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God(G) to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,(H) in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay(I) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.(J)

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning(K) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,(L) groan(M) inwardly as we wait eagerly(N) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.(O) 24 For in this hope we were saved.(P) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.(Q) Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.(R)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit(S) himself intercedes for us(T) through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts(U) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes(V) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good(W) of those who love him, who[b] have been called(X) according to his purpose.(Y) 29 For those God foreknew(Z) he also predestined(AA) to be conformed to the image of his Son,(AB) that he might be the firstborn(AC) among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined,(AD) he also called;(AE) those he called, he also justified;(AF) those he justified, he also glorified.(AG)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For
  2. Romans 8:28 Or that all things work together for good to those who love God, who; or that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good—with those who

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