Study Desk

But God, being full of mercy, through the great love which he had for us,

But now in Christ Jesus you who at one time were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

So then you are no longer as those who have no part or place in the kingdom of God, but you are numbered among the saints, and of the family of God,

Which in other generations was not given to the sons of men, but the revelation of it has now been made to his holy Apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

But to every one of us has grace been given in the measure of the giving of Christ.

(Now this, He went up, what is it but that he first went down into the lower parts of the earth?

But saying true words in love, may come to full growth in him, who is the head, even Christ;

Let him who was a thief be so no longer, but let him do good work with his hands, so that he may have something to give to him who is in need.

Let no evil talk come out of your mouth, but only what is good for giving necessary teaching, and for grace to those who give ear.

But evil acts of the flesh and all unclean things, or desire for others' property, let it not even be named among you, as is right for saints;

And let there be no low behaviour, or foolish talk, or words said in sport, which are not right, but in place of them the giving of praise.

For you at one time were dark, but now are light in the Lord: let your behaviour be that of children of light

And have no company with the works of the dark, which give no fruit, but make their true quality clear;

But all things, when their true quality is seen, are made clear by the light: because everything which is made clear is light.

Take care then how you are living, not as unwise, but as wise;

For this reason, then, do not be foolish, but be conscious of the Lord's pleasure.

And do not take overmuch wine by which one may be overcome, but be full of the Spirit;

And might take it for himself, a church full of glory, not having one mark or fold or any such thing; but that it might be holy and complete.

For no man ever had hate for his flesh; but he gives it food and takes care of it, even as Christ does for the church;

This is a great secret: but my words are about Christ and the church.