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.