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

so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, would be to the praise of his glory.

And when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation) -- when you believed in Christ -- you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit,

And although you were dead in your transgressions and sins,

among whom all of us also formerly lived out our lives in the cravings of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath even as the rest

even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you are saved! --

that you were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near,

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you too were called to the one hope of your calling,

if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus.

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light --