3 And not only that, w but we also rejoice in our afflictions, x because we know that affliction produces endurance, y 4 endurance produces proven character, z and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, a because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts b through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Those Declared Righteous Are Reconciled

6 For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, c Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For rarely will someone die for a just person—though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. 8 But God proves d His own love for us e in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! 9 Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, f we will be saved through Him from wrath. g 10 For if, while we were enemies, h we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life! i 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have now received this reconciliation through Him. j