2 Corinthians 5
1For
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.
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 for that we would be
unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5Now
he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto
us the earnest of the Spirit.
6Therefore
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:)
8We are
confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present
with the Lord.
9Wherefore
we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10For
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.
11Knowing
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.
12For
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.
13For
whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for
your cause.
14For
the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for
all, then were all dead:
15And
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.
16Wherefore
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.
17Therefore
if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.
18And
all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath
given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19To
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.
20Now
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.
21For
he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness
of God in him. (KJV)