I’ve made your name known to them, and I will continue to show you to them. Then the love you have for me will be in them, and I myself will be in them.”
We also know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding so that we can know the God who is true. And we are in the true God by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
“Father, I want those you’ve given me to be with me where I am. I want them to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the world was created.
God said, “Let light shine out of darkness.” And he made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light we needed to know God’s glory, which is shown in the face of Christ.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as one of its own. But you don’t belong to the world. I’ve chosen you out of the world. That’s why the world hates you.
‘I know what you’ve been doing. Look! I’ve opened a door in front of you, and no one can shut it. I know you don’t have much strength, but you’ve obeyed my word, and you haven’t denied me.
‘I know that even though you live where Satan has his throne, you’re still faithful to me. You didn’t give up your faith even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives.
Let the message about Christ live among you richly as you teach and correct one another with great wisdom. Sing psalms and hymns and songs from the Spirit to God with gratitude in your hearts.
God didn’t reject his people, the ones he knew ahead of time. Don’t you know what Scripture says in the story of Elijah? Elijah complained to God about Israel and said,
From Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To God’s chosen people, who are living away from their land. You’re scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
At this they exclaimed, “Now we know you’re controlled by a demon! Abraham died, and so did the prophets. But you’re saying that whoever obeys your word will never die.
While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe through the name you gave me. Not one of them has been lost, except the one headed for destruction, so that Scripture would come true.
You’ve kept my command to remain strong in the faith no matter what happens, so I’m going to keep you from the time of suffering that the rest of the world is going to experience. That suffering will test those who live on the earth.