e know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle was
destroyed, we have an edifice from God, a house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. [5:2]For in this we also groan, earnestly
desiring to put on our dwelling which is from heaven, [5:3]if indeed
also having put it on we may not be found naked. [5:4]For being in
this tabernacle we groan, being burdened, because we do not wish to put
it off, but to put on [the other], that the mortal may be swallowed up
by life. [5:5]And he that has made us for this is God, who has given us
the pledge of the Spirit. [5:6]Being always confident therefore, and
knowing that while we are present in the body we are absent from the
Lord,-- [5:7]we walk by faith, not by sight;-- [5:8]but we are
confident, and are pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be
present with the Lord. [5:9] Wherefore also we strive, whether present
or absent, to be well pleasing to him. [5:10]For we must all appear
before the tribunal of Christ, that each one may receive through the
body for what he has done, whether it is good or evil.

16 [5:11]Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord we persuade men, but
are made manifest to God; and I hope also to be made manifest in your
consciences. [5:12] For we do not again commend ourselves to you, but
give you occasion to glory on our account, that you may have something
for those that glory in appearance and not in heart. [5:13]For if we
are beside ourselves it is for God; and if we are sober it is for you.
[5:14]For the love of Christ constrains us, judging this, that if one
died for all then were all dead; [5:15]and he died for all, that those
who live should no more live for themselves but for him that died for
them and rose again. [5:16]So that from henceforth we know no man after
the flesh; and if we have known Christ after the flesh, we now know him
no more. [5:17]So that if any one is in Christ he is a new creation;
old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new.
[5:18]And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by
Jesus Christ, and given us the ministry of the reconciliation, [5:19]to
wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not
imputing to them their offenses, and has given to us the word of
reconciliation. [5:20]We are embassadors therefore for Christ, as
though God besought you by us; we pray you, for Christ, be reconciled
to God. [5:21]For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, tha