|
“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)
|
