For the creation was subjected to futility – not willingly but because of God ¹  who subjected it – in hope

For ¹  neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for ²  anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! ³ 

¹ who though he existed in the form of God ²  did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices

For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham’s descendants.

God created humankind ¹  in his own image, in the image of God he created them, ²  male and female he created them. ³ 

This is the record ¹  of the family line ²  of Adam. When God created humankind, ³  he made them ⁴  in the likeness of God.

“Whoever sheds human blood, ¹  by other humans ²  must his blood be shed; for in God’s image ³  God ⁴  has made humankind.”

Even those living in the most remote areas are awestruck by your acts; ¹  you cause those living in the east and west to praise you. ² 

They hatch the eggs of a poisonous snake and spin a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die, a poisonous snake is hatched. ¹ 

But I, the Lord, make the following promise: ¹  I have made a covenant governing the coming of day and night. I have established the fixed laws governing heaven and earth.

that ¹  the Son of Man must be delivered ²  into the hands of sinful men, ³  and be crucified, ⁴  and on the third day rise again.” ⁵ 

The Spirit is the one who gives life; human nature is of no help! ¹  The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. ² 

who was appointed the Son-of-God-in-power ¹  according to the Holy Spirit ²  by the resurrection ³  from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.

And will not the physically uncircumcised man ¹  who keeps the law judge you who, despite ²  the written code ³  and circumcision, transgress the law?

For the outlook ¹  of the flesh is death, but the outlook of the Spirit is life and peace,

because the outlook of the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to the law of God, nor is it able to do so.

(for if you live according to the flesh, you will ¹  die), ²  but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live.

that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children.

To them belong the patriarchs, ¹  and from them, ²  by human descent, ³  came the Christ, ⁴  who is God over all, blessed forever! ⁵  Amen.