But when the kindness(A) and love of God our Savior(B) appeared,(C) he saved us,(D) not because of righteous things we had done,(E) but because of his mercy.(F) He saved us through the washing(G) of rebirth and renewal(H) by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us(I) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,(J) we might become heirs(K) having the hope(L) of eternal life.(M) This is a trustworthy saying.(N) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.(O) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

But avoid(P) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels(Q) about the law,(R) because these are unprofitable and useless.(S)

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But—

When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.

This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[b] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:5 Greek He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.
  2. 3:9 Or spiritual genealogies.

But when (A)the kindness and the love of (B)God our Savior toward man appeared, (C)not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through (D)the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (E)whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace (F)we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

(G)This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Avoid Dissension

But (H)avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

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