From Death to Life

2 And you were dead^(A) in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world,^(B) according to the ruler of the power of the air,^(C) the spirit^(D) now working in the disobedient.^{[a] 3} We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly^(E) desires, carrying out the inclinations^(F) of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath^(G) as the others were also. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy,^(H) because of his great love^(I) that he had for us,^{[b] 5} made us alive^(J) with Christ even though we were dead^(K) in trespasses. You are saved by grace! ⁶ He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,^{(L) 7} so that in the coming ages^(M) he might display the immeasurable riches^(N) of his grace through his kindness^(O) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you are saved by grace^(P) through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created^(Q) in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time^(R) for us to do.

The Righteousness of God through Faith

²¹ But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed,^(A) attested by the Law and the Prophets.^{[a](B) 22} The righteousness of God is through faith^(C) in Jesus Christ^[b](D) to all who believe,^(E) since there is no distinction.^{(F) 23} For all have sinned^(G) and fall short of the^[c] glory of God; ²⁴ they are justified freely by his grace^(H) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.^{(I) 25} God presented him as the mercy seat^[d](J) by his blood,^(K) through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God^(L) passed over the sins previously committed.^{(M) 26} God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

⁴ When the time came to completion, God sent his Son,^(A) born of a woman,^(B) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(C) 6} And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(D) into our^[a] hearts, crying, “Abba,^[b] Father!” ^{(E) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(F) but a son,^(G) and if a son, then God has made you an heir.^(H)

A Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(A) Because of his great mercy^(B) he has given us new birth^(C) into a living hope^(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead^{(E) 4} and into an inheritance that is imperishable,^(F) undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven^(G) for you. ⁵ You are being guarded by God’s power^(H) through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.^{(I) 6} You rejoice in this,^[a] even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials^{(J) 7} so that the proven character of your faith^(K)—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire^(L)—may result^(M) in praise, glory, and honor^(N) at the revelation of Jesus Christ.^{(O) 8} Though you have not seen^(P) him, you love him;^(Q) though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice^(R) with inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

¹⁸ For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life^(A) inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold,^{(B) 19} but with the precious blood of Christ,^(C) like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb.^(D)

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life,^(A) and they will never perish.^(B) No one will snatch^(C) them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father,^(D) who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”^(E)