For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.

You who were once alienated with a hostile attitude, doing evil,

For you have been rooted in him and are being built up and strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, while you continue to be thankful.

In union with him you were also circumcised with a circumcision performed without human hands by stripping off the corrupt nature by the circumcision performed by the Messiah.

When you were buried with the Messiah in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

Even when you were dead because of your offenses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with him when he forgave us all of our offenses,

having erased the charges that were brought against us, along with their obligations that were hostile to us. He took those charges away when he nailed them to the cross.

Let the peace of the Messiah also rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body, and be thankful.

Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.