| And you hath he quickened also that were dead in trespass and sin, in the which in time past ye walked, according to the course of this world, and after the governor that ruleth in the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of unbelief, among which we also had our conversation in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the will of the flesh and of the mind: and were naturally the children of wrath, even as well as *other.
But God which is rich in mercy through his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead by sin, hath quickened us together in Christ (for by grace are ye saved) and hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly things through Christ Jesus, for to show in times to come the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to us ward in Christ *Jesu. For by grace are ye made safe through faith, and that not of yourselves. For it is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesu unto good works, unto the which God ordained us before, that we should walk in them.
Wherefore remember that ye being in time past gentiles in the flesh, and were called uncircumcision to them which are called circumcision in the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember I say, that ye were at that time without Christ, and were reputed aliens from the common wealth of Israel, and were strangers from the testaments of promise, and had no hope, and were without God in this world. But now in Christ Jesu, ye which a while ago were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken down the wall that was a stop between us, and hath also put away through his flesh, the cause of hatred, that is to say, the law of commandments contained in the law written, for to make of *twain one new man in himself, so making peace: and to reconcile both unto God in one body through his cross, and slew hatred thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have an open way in, in one spirit unto the father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners: but citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the head corner stone, in whom every building coupled together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are built together, and made an habitation for God in the spirit. |
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