¹ Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work, ² To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men. ³ For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way, servants of evil desires and pleasures, living in bad feeling and envy, hated and hating one another.

⁴ But when the mercy of God our Saviour, and his love to man was seen, ⁵ Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation, through the washing of the new birth and the giving of new life in the Holy Spirit, ⁶ Which he gave us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour; ⁷ So that, having been given righteousness through grace, we might have a part in the heritage, the hope of eternal life.