At one time(A) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness(B) and love of God our Savior(C) appeared,(D) he saved us,(E) not because of righteous things we had done,(F) but because of his mercy.(G) He saved us through the washing(H) of rebirth and renewal(I) by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us(J) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,(K) we might become heirs(L) having the hope(M) of eternal life.(N) This is a trustworthy saying.(O) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.(P) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

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We were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and slaves to our desires and various pleasures too. We were spending our lives in evil behavior and jealousy. We were disgusting, and we hated other people. But “when God our savior’s kindness and love appeared, he saved us because of his mercy, not because of righteous things we had done. He did it through the washing of new birth and the renewing by the Holy Spirit, which God poured out upon us generously through Jesus Christ our savior. So, since we have been made righteous by his grace, we can inherit the hope for eternal life.” This saying is reliable. And I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God might give careful attention to doing good. These things are good and useful for everyone.

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