So stay away from the bad things that young people often want. Try hard to do what’s right and to have faith, love, and peace. Do these things together with all those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
I’m reminded of your sincere faith, which was alive first in your grandmother Lois and then in your mother Eunice. I’m certain that it’s also in you now.
The water of the flood is a picture of the way that baptism now saves you too. It doesn’t save you by washing the dirt off your body. Instead, it’s your way of promising God that you’ll keep a clear conscience by the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Keep your conscience clear, so that even if people say bad things about you as believers in Christ, they’ll be ashamed when the way you live proves them wrong.
To people who are pure, all things are pure. But to those who have twisted minds and don’t believe, nothing is pure. Their minds and consciences are corrupted.
With God’s help, we’ve acted toward everyone, and especially toward you, honorably and honestly. We can say that with pride and a clear conscience. We’ve depended on God’s grace and not on the world’s wisdom.
So let’s draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Our hearts have been sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
I don’t want any of you to think that I’m not concerned about the people of Israel. They’re my family, my own flesh and blood. (I’m not lying, I’m telling you the truth as one in Christ—my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.)
So how much cleaner will the blood of Christ make us! He offered himself to God without any flaw through the power of the eternal Holy Spirit. His blood washes away our feelings of guilt for committing sin. Sin always leads to death. But now we can serve the living God.
If a person believes in Christ Jesus, it doesn’t matter whether they’re circumcised or not. The only thing that matters is faith expressing itself through love.
Timothy, my son, I’m giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies that were once made about you. By remembering them, you’ll be able to fight the battle well
Here’s how you can tell the difference between God’s children and the devil’s children. Anyone who doesn’t do what is right isn’t God’s child, and anyone who doesn’t love their brother or sister isn’t God’s child either.