FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle should be
taken down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. (2)For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to
be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven; (3)that so invested,
we may not be found naked. (4)For we which are in this tabernacle,
groan, being burdened; wherein we desire not to be unclothed, but
clothed upon, that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life.
(5)But he that hath wrought us for this very thing is God, who also
hath given us the earnest of the spirit. (6)Therefore we have always
confidence, and know that whilst we are indwelling in the body, we are
absent from the Lord: (7)(for we walk by faith, not by sight.) (8)We
are confident indeed, and with pleasure expect to go out from the body,
and to dwell within with the Lord: (9)wherefore also our ambition is,
that whether dwelling in the body, or out of the body, we may be
acceptable to him.
(10)For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that
each may receive the things done in the body according to what he hath
done, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (11)Knowing therefore
the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we have been made manifest
to God, and I hope also have been made manifest in your consciences.
(12)For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion
of glorying on our behalf, that ye may have an answer for those who
glory in countenance, and not in heart. (13)For if we are transported
out of ourselves, it is for God; or if we are sober-minded, it is for
your sake. (14)For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we judge
thus, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (15)and he died for
all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but
unto him that died for them, and rose again.
(16)Wherefore from the present moment know we no man after the flesh:
yea though we have also known Christ after the flesh, yet so henceforth
know we him no more. (17)Wherefore if any person be in Christ, he is a
new creation: the old things are passed away; behold, all things are
become new. (18)But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to
himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of
reconciliation; (19)namely, that God was in Christ, reconciling the
world unto himself, not imputing to them their offences: and hath
committed to us the word of reconciliation. (20)Therefore we are
ambassadors for Christ, as though God exhorted you by us; we entreat
you for Christ's sake, be ye reconciled to God. (21)For he hath made
him, who knew no sin, to be a sin offering for us, that we might become
the righteousness of God in him.