For in the Gospel, Righteousness from God is revealed; a Righteousness that is by faith from first to last. Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with GOD, through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we have gained access by faith, into this Grace in which we now stand; and we rejoice in the hope of the Glory of GOD.
Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom. The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty, if we have the strength; before the Mountains were born or You brought forth the Earth and the World, from Everlasting to Everlasting, You are GOD; for a thousand years in Your sight is like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Your love reaches to the Heavens and Your faithfulness to the skies; Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great Deep. How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the Shadow of Your Wings.
For GOD says, “In the time of My favor, I heard you, and in the Day of Salvation, I helped you.” Now is the time of God’s favor; now, is the Day of Salvation. “I took you from the ends of the Earth; from its farthest corners, I Called you. I said, ‘You are My servant; I, have chosen you, and have not rejected you.’” In all their distress, He too was distressed, and the Angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy, He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. “Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.”
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of GOD, we commend ourselves in ever way: In great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left. Through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet, we live on; beaten and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. Poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet, possessing everything.
Be not therefore ashamed of the Testimony of our LORD, but join with us in suffering for the Gospel, by the power of God, Who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace, was given us in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, Who has destroyed death and has brought Life and Immortality to light through the Gospel.
