Romans 8:18-35 (NKJV)

From Suffering to Glory

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

¹⁹ For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 

Giving birth – Shavuot – Pentecost – unto us a child is born (Isaiah 

²¹ because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 

²² For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 

First fruits:

²³ Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 

Leviticus 23:16-17 (NKJV) on the 50th day offer the first fruits:

¹⁶ Count fifty days (50 days of Omer counting) to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. 

¹⁷ You shall bring from your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah.

They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. 

They are the firstfruits to the Lord.

²⁴ For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 

²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.

For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 

²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 

^’30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 

³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 

³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?