In him, I say, for by our union with him we became God's Heritage, having from the first been destined for this in the intention of him who, in all that happens, is carrying out his own fixed purpose;

That we should enhance his glory--we who have been the first to rest our hopes on the Christ.

Even though we were 'dead' because of our offenses, gave Life to us in giving Life to the Christ. (By God's loving-kindness you have been saved.)

For it is by God's loving-kindness that you have been saved, through your faith. It is not due to yourselves; the gift is God's.

But now, through your union with Christ Jesus, you who once were 'far off' have, by the shedding of the blood of the Christ, been brought 'near.'

You have been built up upon the foundation laid by the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus himself being 'the corner- stone.'

In former generations it was not made known to mankind, as fully as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to the Apostles and Prophets among Christ's People--

And to make clear what is God's way of working out that hidden purpose which from the first has been concealed in the mind of the Creator of all things;

Every one of us, however, has been entrusted with some charge, each in accordance with the extent of the gift of the Christ.