For in him, and through the shedding of his blood, we have found redemption in the pardon of our offenses.

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

Have never omitted to thank God on your behalf, whenever I make mention of you in my prayers.

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.'

For you have heard, I suppose, of the responsible charge with which God entrusted me for your benefit,

And also that it was by direct revelation that the hidden purpose of God was made known to me, as I have already briefly told you.

And, by reading what I have written, you will be able to judge how far I understand this hidden purpose of God in Christ.

Have the power to comprehend in all its width and length and height and depth,

I urge you, then--I who am a prisoner in the Master's cause-- to live lives worthy of the Call that you have received;

Lost to all sense of shame, they have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, in order to practice every kind of impurity without restraint.

Since, therefore, you have cast off what is false, 'you must every one of you speak the truth to your neighbors.' For we are united to one another like the parts of a body.

Let the man who steals steal no longer, but rather let him toil with his hands at honest work, so that he may have something to share with any one in want.

Therefore have nothing to do with such people.

All such actions, when exposed, have their true character made manifest by the Light.

So that thou mayest prosper and have a long life on earth.'