The Hope of the Resurrection
2 Corinthians 5, verse 1. For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 2. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 2 Corinthians 5, verse 3. if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 4. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 5. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 6. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 7. For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 8. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Apostolic Motivation: Fearing and Loving God
2 Corinthians 5, verse 9. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 11. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 12. For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 13. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 14. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 2 Corinthians 5, verse 15. and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Apostolic Vision: The New Creation
2 Corinthians 5, verse 16. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 17. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Apostolic Ministry: Reconciliation
2 Corinthians 5, verse 18. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5, verse 19. that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5, verse 21. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.