so that the proven character of your faith #– #more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire #– #may result in praise, glory, and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I will purge you of those who rebel and transgress against me. I will bring them out of the land where they live as foreign residents, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
Therefore Jacob’s iniquity will be atoned for in this way, and the result of the removal of his sin will be this: when he makes all the altar stones like crushed bits of chalk, no Asherah poles or incense altars will remain standing.
which I commanded your ancestors when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace.’ I declared, ‘Obey me, and do everything that I command you, and you will be my people, and I will be your God,’