A Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A) Because of his great mercy^(B) he has given us new birth^(C) into a living hope^(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead^{(E) 4} and into an inheritance that is imperishable,^(F) undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven^(G) for you. ⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power^(H) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.^{(I) 6} You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials^{(J) 7} so that the proven character of your faith^(K)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire^(L)—may result^(M) in praise, glory, and honor^(N) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.^{(O) 8} Though you have not seen^(P) him, you love him;^(Q) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice^(R) with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

¹⁸ For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life^(A) inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold,^{(B) 19} but with the precious blood of Christ,^(C) like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.^{(D) 20} He was foreknown^(E) before the foundation of the world but was revealed in these last times^(F) for you. ²¹ Through him you believe in God,^(G) who raised him from the dead^(H) and gave him glory,^(I) so that your faith and hope are in God.