CHAPTER 5
Now
we know
that
if
the
earthly
tent
we
live in
is dismantled,
we have
a building
from
God,
an eternal
house
in
heaven,
not built by human hands.
So
while we are
in
this
tent,
we groan
under our burdens,
because
we do not wish
to be unclothed
but
clothed,
so that
our
mortality
may be swallowed up
by
life.
And
God
has prepared
us
for
this
very purpose
and has given
us
the
Spirit
as a pledge of what is to come.
Therefore
we are always confident,
although
we know
that
while we are at home
in
the
body,
we are away
from
the
Lord.
For
we
must
all
appear
before
the
judgment seat
of Christ,
that
each one
may receive his due
for
the things
done
in
the
body,
whether
good
or
bad.
Therefore,
since we know
what it means
to fear
the
Lord,
we try to persuade
men.
What we are is clear
to God,
and
I hope
it is clear
to
your
conscience
as well.
We are not commending
ourselves
to you
again.
Instead,
we are giving
you
an occasion
to be proud
of
us,
so that
you can answer
those who
take pride
in
appearances
rather than
in
the heart.
For
Christ’s
love
compels
us,
because we are convinced
that
One
died
for
all,
therefore
all
died.
And
He died
for
all,
that
those who
live
should no longer
live
for themselves,
but
for Him who
died
for
them
and
was raised again.
So
from
now on
we
regard
no one
according to
the flesh.
Although
we once regarded
Christ
in this way,
we do so
no longer.
Therefore
if
anyone
is in
Christ,
he is a new
creation.
The
old
has passed away.
Behold,
the new
has come!
All this is
from
God,
who
reconciled
us
to Himself
through
Christ
and
gave
us
the
ministry
of reconciliation:
that
God
was
reconciling
the world
to Himself
in
Christ,
not
counting
men’s
trespasses
against them.
And
He has committed
to
us
the
message
of reconciliation.
Therefore
we are ambassadors
for
Christ,
as though
God
were making His appeal
through
us.
We implore you
on behalf
of Christ:
Be reconciled
to God.
God made
Him who
knew
no
sin
to be sin
on our behalf,
so that
in
Him
we
might become
the righteousness
of God.