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Our future glory is such that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with it. At present, the whole creation is subject to the bondage to decay and eagerly awaits the future deliverance. Even we, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly awaiting the redemption of our bodies. Now we have the Holy Spirit as the firstfruits, which are a part of the gift as well as a pledge of the future fuller gift. Our salvation will be completed when we receive the resurrected body. Then our adoption as God’s sons will be fully realized. Since we have experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in us now, we can be sure of the future bodily resurrection (cf. 8:11).
Before the final completion of our redemption, the creation groans and so do we (vv.22-23). Due to our weakness, we do not know what we ought to pray. But the Holy Spirit, who knows the will of God, helps us by praying for us with groans, which God understands.