¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.^(A)

⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace,^(A) which he has freely given us in the One he loves.^(B)

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.

¹³ And you also were included in Christ^(A) when you heard the message of truth,^(B) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(C) the promised Holy Spirit,^{(D) 14} who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance^(E) until the redemption^(F) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.^(G)

¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(A) through the word of truth,^(B) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(C) of all he created.

²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.^(A)

⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,^(A) expressed in his kindness^(B) to us in Christ Jesus.

¹² And again, Isaiah says,

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace^(C) as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.^(D)