to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

And if you address as Father, Him who judges everyone impartially in accordance with what he does, you must live reverently all your fleeting stay on earth,

because you have been born anew, not from a germ that perishes but from one that does not perish, by the word of the living and everlasting God.

What good does it do if, when you sin, you patiently receive punishment for it? But if you suffer for doing good and receive it patiently, you have God's approval.

For the Lord's eyes see what the righteous person does and He hears their [earnest] prayers, but the Lord looks with disapproval on the person who does wrong."

Corresponding to that [rescue through the flood], baptism [which is an expression of a believer’s new life in Christ] now saves you, not by removing dirt from the body, but by an appeal to God for a good (clear) conscience, [demonstrating what you believe to be yours] through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

so that for the future he does not pass the rest of this life in gratifying his sensual passions, but in conformity to the divine precepts.

This is why the good news was preached to the dead too, that they may be judged in their physical nature as men are, but live in the Spirit as God does.

If one preaches, let him do it like one who utters the words of God; if one does some service, let him do it as with strength which God supplies, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Your sister church in Babylon, elect with you, sends you salutations, and so does Marcus, my son.