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For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God;
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for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
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that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
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We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now;
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and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (New Revised Standard)