³⁹ But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

⁵ And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

⁵ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

¹⁶ Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

¹⁶ If you see a fellow believer^[a] sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it.

¹² Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.

Believers Should Stand Firm

¹³ As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first^[a] to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹¹ “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.” Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night.

⁷ And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

Great Examples of Faith

11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.

⁹ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.