Ephesians 1:4-14

4Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence.

5Because of his love he had already decided to adopt us through Jesus Christ. He freely chose to do this

6so that the kindness  he had given us in his dear Son would be praised and given glory.

7Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness.

8He poured out his kindness by giving us every kind of wisdom and insight

9when he revealed the mystery of his plan to us. He had decided to do this through Christ.

10He planned to bring all of history to its goal in Christ. Then Christ would be the head of everything in heaven and on earth.

11God also decided ahead of time to choose us through Christ according to his plan, which makes everything work the way he intends.

12He planned all of this so that we who had already focused our hope on Christ would praise him and give him glory.

13You heard and believed the message of truth, the Good News that he has saved you. In him you were sealed with the Holy Spirit whom he promised.

14This Holy Spirit is the guarantee that we will receive our inheritance. We have this guarantee until we are set free to belong to him. God receives praise and glory for this.