16. The Spirit himself joins with our spirits. Together they give witness that we are God's children.
17. As his children, we will receive all that he has for us. We will share what Christ receives. But we must share in his sufferings if we want to share in his glory.
18. What we are suffering now is nothing compared with the glory that will be shown in us.
19. Everything God created looks forward to the time when his children will appear in their full and final glory.
20. The created world was bound to fail. But that was not the result of its own choice. It was planned that way by the One who made it. God planned
21. to set the created world free. He didn't want it to rot away completely. Instead, he wanted it to have the same glorious freedom that his children have.
22. We know that all that God created has been groaning. It is in pain as if it were giving birth to a child. The created world continues to groan even now.