Final Words

^14 (A)Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him ^(B)without spot or ^(C)blemish, and ^(D)at peace.

¹⁶ since it is written, ^(A)“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ¹⁷ And if you ^(B)call on him as Father who ^(C)judges ^(D)impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves ^(E)with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸ knowing that you ^(F)were ransomed from ^(G)the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹ but ^(H)with the precious blood of Christ, like that of ^(I)a lamb ^(J)without blemish or spot.

¹¹ Beloved, I urge you ^(A)as sojourners and exiles ^(B)to abstain from the passions of the flesh, ^(C)which wage war against your soul. ^12 (D)Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, ^(E)they may see your good deeds and glorify God on ^(F)the day of visitation.

Confirm Your Calling and Election

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him ^(A)who called us to^[a] his own glory and excellence,^{[b] 4} by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become ^(B)partakers of the divine nature, ^(C)having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(D)with virtue,^[c] and virtue ^(E)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(F)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(G)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(H)with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(I)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ^(J)is blind, having forgotten that he was ^(K)cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[e] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(L)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(M)you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you ^(N)an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.