¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. ^(A)Though our outer self^[a] is wasting away, ^(B)our inner self ^(C)is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For ^(D)this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ^18 (E)as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Born Again to a Living Hope

^3 (A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! ^(B)According to his great mercy, ^(C)he has caused us to be born again to a living hope ^(D)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to ^(E)an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and ^(F)unfading, ^(G)kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God's power are being guarded ^(H)through faith for a salvation ^(I)ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by ^(J)various trials, ⁷ so that ^(K)the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes ^(L)though it is tested by ^(M)fire—may be found to result in ^(N)praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ^8 (O)Though you have not seen him, you love him. ^(P)Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining ^(Q)the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.