Praise to God for a Living Hope

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!^(A) In 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^(F) that can never perish, spoil or fade.^(G) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,^(H)

⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,^(A) and the time for my departure is near.^{(B) 7} I have fought the good fight,^(C) I have finished the race,^(D) I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me^(E) the crown of righteousness,^(F) which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day^(G)—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(H)