²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning^(A) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^(B) groan^(C) inwardly as we wait eagerly^(D) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^{(E) 24} For in this hope we were saved.^(F) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.^(G) Who hopes for what they already have?

The Day Is Near

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come^(A) for you to wake up from your slumber,^(B) because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(A)

⁸ But since we belong to the day,^(A) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(B) and the hope of salvation^(C) as a helmet.^{(D) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(E) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^(F)

¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(A) for the sake of the elect,^(B) that they too may obtain the salvation^(C) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(D)

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits^(A) sent to serve those who will inherit^(B) salvation?^(C)

²⁸ so Christ was sacrificed once^(A) to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time,^(B) not to bear sin,^(C) but to bring salvation^(D) to those who are waiting for him.^(E)

Praise to God for a Living Hope

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!^(A) In his great mercy^(B) he has given us new birth^(C) into a living hope^(D) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,^{(E) 4} and into an inheritance^(F) that can never perish, spoil or fade.^(G) This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,^{(H) 5} who through faith are shielded by God’s power^(I) until the coming of the salvation^(J) that is ready to be revealed^(K) in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(L) though now for a little while^(M) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^{(N) 7} These have come so that the proven genuineness^(O) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire^(P)—may result in praise, glory and honor^(Q) when Jesus Christ is revealed.^{(R) 8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him^(S) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.^(T)

¹⁰ Therefore, my brothers and sisters,^[a] make every effort to confirm your calling^(A) and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble,^{(B) 11} and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom^(C) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.^(D)