² in which you used to live^(A) when you followed the ways of this world^(B) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(C) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^{(D) 3} All of us also lived among them at one time,^(E) gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a](F) and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(G) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(H)—it is by grace you have been saved.^{(I) 6} And God raised us up with Christ^(J) and seated us with him^(K) in the heavenly realms^(L) in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,^(M) expressed in his kindness^(N) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace^(O) you have been saved,^(P) through faith^(Q)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works,^(R) so that no one can boast.^{(S) 10} For we are God’s handiwork,^(T) created^(U) in Christ Jesus to do good works,^(V) which God prepared in advance for us to do.

²³ for all have sinned^(A) and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified^(B) freely by his grace^(C) through the redemption^(D) that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,^[a](E) through the shedding of his blood^(F)—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished^(G)— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

⁹ If you declare^(A) with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”^(B) and believe^(C) in your heart that God raised him from the dead,^(D) you will be saved.^(E)