¹⁶ I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.^(A)

¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,”^[a] says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”^(A)

⁶ As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come.^{(A) 7} I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.^{(B) 8} From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(C)

5 For we know that, if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.^(A)

Israel’s Futile Idolatry

⁵³ For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ When this perishable body puts on imperishability and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.^{(B) 57} But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.