Our Eternal Dwelling
FOR we know, that if our earthly dwelling of this tabernacle were demolished, we have a building of God; a dwelling not made by human hands: eternal in the heavens.
2 For in this we groan; earnestly desiring to be clothed with our dwelling which is from heaven:
3 And if indeed being so clothed: we shall not be found naked.
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being weighed down; for, not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon: that the mortal might be swallowed up by life.
5 Now He that has worked in us for this selfsame thing is God; who has also given us the Spirit as a pledge.
6 ¶ Therefore we always have confidence, knowing that: while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight).
8 Yes we are confident, I say; and prefer rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The Judgement Seat of Christ
9 ¶ Therefore we make it our aim (whether present or absent), that we may be accepted of Him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one be paid back, according to the things done through his own body: whether good or evil.
11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; and make God known; and I hope also make Him known in your consciences.
Reconciled to God in Christ
12 ¶ For we commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to boast on our behalf; that you may have something to answer those which boast in appearance, and not in heart.
13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be of sound mind, it is for your cause.
14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge: that if one died for all, then all die;
15 And He died for all: so that, those which live, should no longer live for themselves: but to Him which died on their behalf, and rose again.
16 ¶ So that henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh; even though, we once knew Christ only according to the flesh; but now, we know Him no longer according to the flesh.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ; and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
19 That is, God in Christ, is reconciling the world to Himself, not keeping record of their transgressions against them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 ¶ Therefore we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ: as God did beseech you, through us; we pleaded to you on behalf of Christ, that you be reconciled to God.
21 For He, made Him who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf; that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.