⁵ he saved us,^(A) not because of righteous things we had done,^(B) but because of his mercy.^(C) He saved us through the washing^(D) of rebirth and renewal^(E) by the Holy Spirit,

¹⁶ for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”^[a](A)

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins^(A) and purify us from all unrighteousness.^(B)