1For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved , we have a building from God , a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens . 2For verily in this we groan , longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven : 3if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked . 4For indeed we that are in this tabernacle do groan , being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed , but that we would be clothed upon , that what is mortal may be swallowed up of life . 5Now he that wrought us for this very thing is God , who gave unto us the earnest of the Spirit . 6Being therefore always of good courage , and 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 of good courage , I say , and are willing rather to be absent from the body , and to be at home with the Lord . 9Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent , to be well-pleasing unto him . 10For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ ; that each one may receive the things done in the body , according to what he hath done , whether it be good or bad .
The Assurance of Eternal Life
11Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord , we persuade men , but we are made manifest unto God ; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences . 12We are not again commending ourselves unto you , but speak as giving you occasion of glorying on our behalf , that ye may have wherewith to answer them that glory in appearance , and not in heart . 13For whether we are beside ourselves , it is unto God ; or whether we are of sober mind , it is unto you . 14For the love of Christ constraineth us ; because we thus judge , that one died for all , therefore all died ; 15and he died for all , that they that live should no longer live unto themselves , but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again . 16Wherefore we henceforth know no man after the flesh : even though we have known Christ after the flesh , yet now we know him so no more . 17Wherefore if any man is in Christ , he is a new creature : the old things are passed away ; behold , they are become new .
Living for Christ
18But all things are of God , who reconciled us to himself through Christ , and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation ; 19to wit , that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself , not reckoning unto them their trespasses , and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation . 20We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ , as though God were entreating by us : we beseech you on behalf of Christ , be ye reconciled to God . 21Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf ; that we might become the righteousness of God in him .