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.^{(A) 19} For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God^(B) 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,^(C) in hope ²¹ that^[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay^(D) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.^(E)

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning^(F) 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,^(G) groan^(H) inwardly as we wait eagerly^(I) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^{(J) 24} For in this hope we were saved.^(K) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.^(L) Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.^(M)

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^(N) himself intercedes for us^(O) through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(P) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes^(Q) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

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

Psalm 88^[a]

A song. A psalm of the Sons of Korah. For the director of music. According to mahalath leannoth.^[b] A maskil^[c] of Heman the Ezrahite.