7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done.
8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own.
9 It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.
10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
11 Don't forget that you are Gentiles. In fact, you used to be called “uncircumcised” by those who take pride in being circumcised.
12 At that time you did not know about Christ. You were foreigners to the people of Israel, and you had no part in the promises God had made to them. You were living in this world without hope and without God,
13 and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life's blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God.