1And you, who were dead in trespasses and sins, He has made alive; 2You that in the past indulged in the ways of this world, and according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), whose spirit is now working in all those who reject God, and refuse to obey. 3We were all, at one time, among them in our life style and conduct, gratifying the lusts and the cravings of both flesh and mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, as others were (and many still are). 4But God, Who through His abundant mercy and love, 5While we were still dead in our sins, has made us alive with Christ, 6And has raised us up, and seated us with Him in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus; 7In order that in the coming ages, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith - and not of or by yourselves – for it is the gift of God - 9Not by our works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are His workmanship (handiwork), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned well in advance for us to do. 11Therefore, remember that you used to be “outsiders”, being in time past the Gentiles called “The Uncircumcision” by the Jews, who called themselves “Circumcision”, done in the flesh by human hands. 12At that time you were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promises God had made to them, living without God and without hope in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off, are brought near by the blood of Christ. 14For Christ Himself is our peace, Who has made both of our two groups one, and has broken down the wall that once divided us; 15Having abolished in His flesh the system of laws, commandments and ordinances; to make in Himself one new people out of two peoples, and thus making peace; 16That He might reconcile both groups to God in one body by His cross, having slain the hostility between the two. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far off, as well as to those that were near. 18For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to God the Father. 19Therefore, you are no longer foreigners or strangers, but fellow-citizens with all God’s people, and are members of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner Stone, 21In Him, the whole building (His body – the church) is carefully joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in Him you, too, are being built together for a dwelling in which God lives (resides) by His Spirit. Reader-Friendly Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2024 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |