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 .
The Assurance of Eternal Life
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 .
Living for Christ
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 .