2
Corinthians 5:1-10(11-17)
(1) For we know that if the tent,
which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
(2) For in this tent we groan,
longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
(3) if
indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
(4) For while we are still in this
tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but that we
would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
(5) He who has prepared us for
this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
(6) So we are always of good
courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the
Lord,
(7) for
we walk by faith, not by sight.
(8) Yes, we are of good courage,
and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
(9) So whether we are at home or
away, we make it our aim to please him.
(10) For we must all appear before
the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what
he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
(11-17)
(11) Therefore, knowing the fear of
the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is
known also to your conscience.
(12) We are not commending
ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may
be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what
is in the heart.
(13) For if we are beside
ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
(14) For the love of Christ
controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all,
therefore all have died;
(15) and
he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but
for him who for their sake died and was raised.
(16) From now on, therefore, we
regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ
according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
(17) Therefore, if anyone is in
Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has
come.