¹⁷ I will ^[a]deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, ^(A)to whom I ^[b]now send you, ^18 (B)to open their eyes, in order ^(C)to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, ^(D)that they may receive forgiveness of sins and ^(E)an inheritance among those who are ^(F)sanctified^[c] by faith in Me.’

⁹ Whoever has been ^(A)born of God does not sin, for ^(B)His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Knowing the True—Rejecting the False

¹⁸ We know that ^(A)whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God ^(B)keeps^{[a] [b]}himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

Christ’s Example to Be Followed

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered ^[a]for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, ^(A)but for the will of God.

³² And you shall know the ^(A)truth, and ^(B)the truth shall make you free.”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, ^(A)whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.

^36 (A)Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

¹⁸ And ^(A)having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

²² But now ^(A)having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit ^[a]to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.