but has manifested in its own due season his word, in the proclamation with which I have been entrusted, according to the commandment of our Saviour God;

not on the principle of works which have been done in righteousness which we had done, but according to his own mercy he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

that, having been justified by his grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.