Faith Triumphs

5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith,^(A) we have peace^[a] with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(B) 2} We have also obtained access through him^(C) by faith^[b] into this grace in which we stand,^(D) and we boast^[c] in the hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that,^(E) but we also boast in our afflictions,^(F) because we know that affliction produces endurance,^{(G) 4} endurance produces proven character,^(H) and proven character produces hope. ⁵ This hope will not disappoint us,^(I) because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts^(J) through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

The Justified Are Reconciled

⁶ For while we were still helpless, at the right time,^(K) Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. ⁸ But God proves^(L) his own love for us^(M) in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ How much more then, since we have now been justified by his blood,^(N) will we be saved through him from wrath.^{(O) 10} For if, while we were enemies,^(P) we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.^{(Q) 11} And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.^(R)

From Death to Life

2 And you were dead^(A) in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world,^(B) according to the ruler of the power of the air,^(C) the spirit^(D) now working in the disobedient.^{[a] 3} We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly^(E) desires, carrying out the inclinations^(F) of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath^(G) as the others were also. ⁴ But God, who is rich in mercy,^(H) because of his great love^(I) that he had for us,^{[b] 5} made us alive^(J) with Christ even though we were dead^(K) in trespasses. You are saved by grace! ⁶ He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,^{(L) 7} so that in the coming ages^(M) he might display the immeasurable riches^(N) of his grace through his kindness^(O) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you are saved by grace^(P) through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created^(Q) in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time^(R) for us to do.

⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,^{(A) 5} he saved us^(B)—not by works of righteousness that we had done,^(C) but according to his mercy^(D)—through the washing of regeneration^(E) and renewal by the Holy Spirit.^{(F) 6} He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly^(G) through Jesus Christ our Savior ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(H) we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.^(I)

Christ’s Resurrection Guarantees Ours

²⁰ But as it is, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits^(A) of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For since death^(B) came through a man,^(C) the resurrection of the dead also comes through a man.^{(D) 22} For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.^(E)

²³ But each in his own order:^(F) Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at his coming, those who belong to Christ. ²⁴ Then comes the end,^(G) when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father,^(H) when he abolishes all rule and all authority and power.^{(I) 25} For he must reign^(J) until he puts all his enemies under his feet.^{(K) 26} The last enemy to be abolished is death.^{(L) 27} For God has put everything under his feet.^[a](M) Now when it says “everything” is put under him, it is obvious that he who puts everything under him is the exception. ²⁸ When everything is subject to Christ, then the Son^(N) himself will also be subject to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.^(O)

Victorious Resurrection

⁵⁰ What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh^(A) and blood^(B) cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Listen, I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.^(C) For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible body must be clothed^(D) with incorruptibility,^(E) and this mortal body must be clothed with immortality. ⁵⁴ When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place:

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

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work,^(L) because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.