¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs^(A)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings^(B) in order that we may also share in his glory.^(C)

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

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

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^(Q) himself intercedes for us^(R) through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts^(S) knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes^(T) for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

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