God Builds Our Eternal Dwelling

1For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5Now he that has made us for the same thing is God, who also has given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6Therefore we are always confident, 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:)

8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

9Therefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may be recompensed for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad.

11Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

Reconciliation to God

12For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to boast on our behalf, that you may have something to answer them who boast in appearance, and not in heart.

13For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be in our right mind, it is for your cause.

14For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

15And that he died for all, that they who live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again.

16Therefore from now on know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet from now on know we him no more.

17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19That is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.

21For he has made him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.