2 Corinthians 5:1-20

Our Heavenly Dwelling

1For we know that if athe tent that is bour earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, ca house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this tent dwe groan, longing to eput on our heavenly dwelling, 3if indeed by putting it on
Some manuscripts  putting it off
we may not be found naked.
4For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdenednot that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal gmay be swallowed up by life. 5He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, hwho has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

6So we are always of good courage. We know that iwhile we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7for jwe walk by faith, not kby sight. 8Yes, we are of good courage, and we lwould rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to mplease him. 10For nwe must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, oso that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11Therefore, knowing pthe fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But qwhat we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 rWe are not commending ourselves to you again but sgiving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13For if we tare beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For the love of Christ ucontrols us, because we have concluded this: that vone has died for all, therefore all have died; 15and he died for all, wthat those who live might no longer live for themselves but xfor him who for their sake died and was raised.

16From now on, therefore, ywe regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is zin Christ, he is aaa new creation.
Or creature
acThe old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18All this is from God, adwho through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us aethe ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling
Or  God was in Christ, reconciling
the world to himself, agnot counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us ahthe message of reconciliation.
20Therefore, aiwe are ambassadors for Christ, ajGod making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Ephesians 2:16

16and might akreconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Colossians 1:21

21 alAnd you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, amdoing evil deeds,
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