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1We all once walked a dark and crooked path that led us to death.
2Our broken ways caused us to miss the mark and wander from the good path, following the worthless ways of this world.
We all once walked the dark path of the evil one who rules the spiritual atmosphere of this world, that evil spirit who is at work in human beings who have lost their way.
3This is how all of us once lived when we followed our uncontrolled emotions fed by bodily desires and dark thoughts. These broken ways became our natural condition, and, like the rest of humankind, we were children deserving of Creator’s anger.
4But the Great Spirit, who is kind and forgiving, because of his deep love,
5raised us up from spiritual death. Even though we were walking the road of death, he made us alive again with the Chosen One. This is what it means to be rescued by the gift of his great kindness.
6He lifted us up with him to the highest place in the spirit-world above and put us on a seat of honor alongside the Chosen One.
7He did this to show us the overflowing greatness of his kindness and mercy, not only in this age but in the many ages to come—all because of what the Chosen One has done.
8It is by trusting in the gift of his great kindness that we have been made whole. It is not because of any good thing we have done, but only by accepting a gift that we could never earn.
9In this way, no one can brag or boast about themselves, but only humbly give thanks.
10We are like clay in his hands, molded from the Chosen One, made to be like him, and walking the ancient pathways he originally created us for.
11You Nations must not forget that before you knew the Chosen One you were not natural-born members of the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel) . You were called “the outsiders” by the ones who call themselves “the insiders.” But remember, the sign that marks them as insiders is cut into their flesh with human hands.[#2:11 Lit. Gentiles in the flesh; #2:11 Lit. the uncircumcision , a way to say non-Jews; #2:11 Lit. the circumcision , a way to say Jews]
12You Outside Nations did not share in the promises or the peace treaty that the Great Spirit made with those tribes. You were out from under their special care and protection—unaware of and apart from the Chosen One. You shared no common hope and were outside the help Creator gave to them in this world.
13But no more! Even though you Outside Nations were far away, you have now been made close by the lifeblood offered by Creator Sets Free (Jesus) , the Chosen One.
14He is our great peace, who has brought the people of all Nations together with the tribes of Wrestles with Creator (Israel) , making them into one new people by removing the barrier that separated us.
15In his own human body he removed the hostility between us when he did away with the rules and requirements of our tribal law that separated us. This is the way he recreates people—making one new humanity out of the two. This brings us all together on the path of peace.
16Even though we behaved like enemies, we are now friends with the Great Spirit and with one another. When Creator Sets Free (Jesus) died on the cross, those things that made us enemies died with him. We are now joined together as one people in one body.
17He brought this good story of peace and harmony to people who were far away from him and to people who were close to him.
18Because of him we both have a clear path, through one Spirit, to the Father from above.
19Now we are all his holy people and members of one new nation. No one is on the outside of this great family that our Father is creating. We are all related to one another and initiated into Creator’s lodge that is built together with wooden poles—
20the message bearers and prophets of old. Creator Sets Free (Jesus) is the main pole binding us together,
21like branches being weaved into his sacred lodge.
22Joined together in this way, we become a dwelling place for his Spirit.