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

Stand Firm

¹³ But ^(A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, ^(B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you ^(C)as the firstfruits^{[a] (D)}to be saved, ^(E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.

⁴ But when ^(A)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, ^(B)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but ^(C)according to his own mercy, by ^(D)the washing of regeneration and ^(E)renewal of the Holy Spirit,

²⁵ As indeed he says in Hosea,

¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[a] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(A)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(B)you will never fall.

⁵ So too at the present time there is ^(A)a remnant, chosen by grace. ^6 (B)But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

⁷ What then? ^(C)Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking. The elect obtained it, but the rest ^(D)were hardened,

⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began ^(A)a good work in you ^(B)will bring it to completion at ^(C)the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you ^(D)in my heart, for you are all ^(E)partakers with me of grace,^[a] both ^(F)in my imprisonment and in ^(G)the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

²⁸ And we know that for those who love God all things work together ^(A)for good,^[a] for ^(B)those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he ^(C)foreknew he also ^(D)predestined ^(E)to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be ^(F)the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also ^(G)justified, and those whom he justified he also ^(H)glorified.

^12 (A)Put on then, as ^(B)God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, ^(C)compassionate hearts, ^(D)kindness, ^(E)humility, meekness, and patience,