Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. h 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

We know that all things work together B for the good C of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

For those he foreknew he also predestined y to be conformed to the image of his Son, z so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. aa

On the day I called, you answered me; you increased strength within me.

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, f 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was made complete, a 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, A,b and he was called God’s friend. c 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; ab and those he justified, he also glorified. ac

The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, i forgiving iniquity and rebellion. j But he will not leave the guilty unpunished, k bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generation. l 19 Please pardon the iniquity of this people, in keeping with the greatness of your faithful love, a j