But now, as God’s loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin. So consider the benefits you now enjoy—you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life!
I will tell again of the faithful, gracious acts of Yahweh and praise him for everything he has done for us— the wonderful goodness, the riches of his mercy, which he has shown to the house of Israel, and the abundance of his endless love.
So we no longer offer up a steady stream of blood sacrifices, but through Jesus, we will offer up to God a steady stream of praise sacrifices—these are “the lambs” we offer from our lips that celebrate his name!
This is what your sovereign ruler, Lord Yahweh, your God, the Mighty Defender of his people, says: “Look! I have removed from your hand the intoxicating cup that made you stagger. You will no longer drink from the bowl of my anger.
In that glorious day, you will say to one another, “Give thanks to the Lord and ask him for more! Tell the world about all that he does! Let them know how magnificent he is!”
Do not intermingle with the nations that are left among you nor speak the names of their gods when you take an oath. And by all means don’t worship or pray to them.
For what makes a distinction between you and someone else? And what do you have that grace has not given you? And if you received it as a gift, why do you boast as though there is something special about you?
Those who delight in doing what is right— you go out to meet them with kindness. They remember you and cherish your ways. You showed your anger when we sinned again and again, yet we can be saved.