Ephesians 1:1-10 RSV

Romans 8:27-30 And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.

And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he consented.

And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him;

and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased."

Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it,

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction;

since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus,

whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins;

it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 9:11-12 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)

he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.

Romans 16:25-27 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages

but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith--

to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

2 Timothy 1:8-9 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the gospel in the power of God,

who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose, and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago,