Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer^(A) live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.^{(B) 18} They are darkened in their understanding^(C) and separated from the life of God^(D) because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.^{(E) 19} Having lost all sensitivity,^(F) they have given themselves over^(G) to sensuality^(H) so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off^(I) your old self,^(J) which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;^{(K) 23} to be made new in the attitude of your minds;^{(L) 24} and to put on^(M) the new self,^(N) created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.^(O)

²⁶ I will give you a new heart^(A) and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone^(B) and give you a heart of flesh.^{(C) 27} And I will put my Spirit^(D) in you and move you to follow my decrees^(E) and be careful to keep my laws.^{(F) 28} Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people,^(G) and I will be your God.^{(H) 29} I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain and make it plentiful and will not bring famine^(I) upon you. ³⁰ I will increase the fruit of the trees and the crops of the field, so that you will no longer suffer disgrace among the nations because of famine.^{(J) 31} Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your sins and detestable practices.^{(K) 32} I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord. Be ashamed^(L) and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel!^(M)

³³ “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse^(N) you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins^(O) will be rebuilt.^(P)