English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.
17
But remember, dear friends, that the apostles of our Master, Jesus Christ, told us this would happen:
18 They said to you, "In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions."
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"In the last days there will be people who don't take these things seriously anymore. They'll treat them like a joke, and make a religion of their own whims and lusts."
19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.
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These are the ones who split churches, thinking only of themselves. There's nothing to them, no sign of the Spirit!
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
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But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
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staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
22 And have mercy on those who doubt;
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Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith.
23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
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Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,
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And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating -
25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
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to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.