In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will

-- since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened -- so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.

But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed.

because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,

and to enlighten everyone about God's secret plan -- a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things.

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love,

I, therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live worthily of the calling with which you have been called,

and to put on the new man who has been created in God's image -- in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.