³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.^(A)

²² Now that you have purified^(A) yourselves by obeying^(B) the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply,^(C) from the heart.^{[a] 23} For you have been born again,^(D) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,^(E) through the living and enduring word of God.^(F)

²⁶ to make her holy,^(A) cleansing^[a] her by the washing^(B) with water through the word,

²¹ Therefore, get rid of^(A) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(B) which can save you.

³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”^(A)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth.