12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run^(A) with perseverance^(B) the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus,^(C) the pioneer^(D) and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,^(E) scorning its shame,^(F) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.^{(G) 3} Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary^(H) and lose heart.

John Testifies About Jesus

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God,^(A) who takes away the sin of the world!^(B)

⁴⁰ For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son^(A) and believes in him shall have eternal life,^(B) and I will raise them up at the last day.”

²⁰ But our citizenship^(A) is in heaven.^(B) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^{(C) 21} who, by the power^(D) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(E) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(F)

⁸ Now there is in store for me^(A) the crown of righteousness,^(B) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(C)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(D)

¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(A) and to live self-controlled,^(B) upright and godly lives^(C) in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing^(D) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,^{(E) 14} who gave himself for us^(F) to redeem us from all wickedness^(G) and to purify^(H) for himself a people that are his very own,^(I) eager to do what is good.^(J)

The Incarnation of the Word of Life

1 That which was from the beginning,^(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,^(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched^(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. ² The life appeared;^(D) we have seen it and testify to it,^(E) and we proclaim to you the eternal life,^(F) which was with the Father and has appeared to us. ³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(G) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^(H)