⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters^[a] loved by God,^(A) that he has chosen you,

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth.

⁴ But when the kindness^(A) and love of God our Savior^(B) appeared,^{(C) 5} 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,

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(A) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^(B)

²⁵ As he says in Hosea:

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(A) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(B) gentleness and patience.^(C)

⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion^(A) until the day of Christ Jesus.^(B)

⁷ It is right^(C) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart^(D) and, whether I am in chains^(E) or defending^(F) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(A) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(B)—it is by grace you have been saved.^(C)

⁴ For he chose us^(A) in him before the creation of the world^(B) to be holy and blameless^(C) in his sight. In love^(D)