“1 For we know that if our earthly house of [this] tabernacle were
dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be
clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being
clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in [this]
tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed,
but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he
that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] God, who also hath
given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore [we are] always
confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are
absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are
confident, [I say], and willing rather to be absent from the body, and
to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether
present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the
things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it
be] good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we
persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are
made manifest in your consciences.”
“12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion
to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which
glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside
ourselves, [it is] to God: or whether we be sober, [it is] for your
cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge,
that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And [that] he died for
all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
“16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though
we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him]
no more. 17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And
all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus
Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit,
that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing
their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of
reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ’s stead, be ye
reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew
no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2
Corinthians 5:1-21 AV)
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