^18 (A)Of his own will he ^(B)brought us forth by the word of truth, ^(C)that we should be a kind of ^(D)firstfruits of his creatures.

²⁹ For those whom he ^(A)foreknew he also ^(B)predestined ^(C)to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be ^(D)the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also ^(E)justified, and those whom he justified he also ^(F)glorified.

God's Everlasting Love

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? ^(G)If God is for us, who can be^[a] against us?

^23 (A)since you have been born again, ^(B)not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through ^(C)the living and abiding word of God;

³ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is ^(A)born ^(B)again^[a] he cannot ^(C)see the kingdom of God.” ⁴ Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” ⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born ^(D)of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

¹³ who ^(A)were born, ^(B)not of blood ^(C)nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Born Again to a Living Hope

^3 (A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! ^(B)According to his great mercy, ^(C)he has caused us to be born again to a living hope ^(D)through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

⁴ It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for ^(A)they are virgins. It is these ^(B)who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as ^(C)firstfruits for God and the Lamb,

Stand Firm

¹³ But ^(A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, ^(B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you ^(C)as the firstfruits^{[a] (D)}to be saved, ^(E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. ¹⁴ To this he called you through ^(F)our gospel, ^(G)so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ But^[a] God, being ^(A)rich in mercy, ^(B)because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even ^(C)when we were dead in our trespasses, ^(D)made us alive together with Christ—^(E)by grace you have been saved—