⁶ “‘Then I passed by and saw you kicking about in your blood, and as you lay there in your blood I said to you, “Live!”^[a](A)

⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(A) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(B)—it is by grace you have been saved.^(C)

³ At one time^(A) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(B) and love of God our Savior^(C) appeared,^{(D) 5} he saved us,^(E) not because of righteous things we had done,^(F) but because of his mercy.^(G) He saved us through the washing^(H) of rebirth and renewal^(I) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(J) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(K) we might become heirs^(L) having the hope^(M) of eternal life.^(N)

²⁵ Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come^(A) when the dead will hear^(B) the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

⁴ ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt,^(A) and how I carried you on eagles’ wings^(B) and brought you to myself.^{(C) 5} Now if you obey me fully^(D) and keep my covenant,^(E) then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.^(F) Although the whole earth^(G) is mine, ⁶ you^[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests^(H) and a holy nation.’^(I) These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.^(A)

³⁴ I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’^[a](A)