14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God(A) are the children of God.(B) 15 The Spirit(C) you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;(D) rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.”(E) 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit(F) that we are God’s children.(G) 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs(H)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings(I) in order that we may also share in his glory.(J)

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.(K) 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God(L) 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,(M) in hope 21 that[c] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay(N) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.(O)

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning(P) 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,(Q) groan(R) inwardly as we wait eagerly(S) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.(T)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.
  2. Romans 8:15 Aramaic for father
  3. Romans 8:21 Or subjected it in hope. 21 For

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