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¹ FOR we know that if our earthly house were destroyed, we still have a building made by God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.² We also weary over this earthly house, earnestly longing to use our house which is in heaven.³ If not so, even when we are clothed, we will still be naked.⁴ While we are in this earthly house, we groan because of its weight: yet we are unwilling to leave it, but rather wish to add to it, so that death will be overcome by life.⁵ Now he who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given to us the pledge of his Spirit.⁶ Therefore we know and are convinced, that so long as we dwell in the body, we are absent from our LORD.⁷ For we walk by faith, and not by sight.⁸ This is why we are confident, and anxious to be absent from the body, and to be present with our LORD.⁹ Wherefore we endeavor, that, whether present or absent, we may be pleasing to him.¹⁰ For we must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may be rewarded according to that which he has done with his body, whether it be good or bad.¹¹ Knowing therefore the fear of our LORD, we try in a persuasive way to win men; so we are very well understood by God; and I trust we are also understood by you.

¹² We are not boasting of ourselves to you, but we give you occasion to be proud of us, before those who glory as hypocrites but who are not sincere in heart.¹³ For if we go wrong, we answer to God, and if we go straight, it is for you.¹⁴ For the love of Christ compels us to reason thus, that if one died for all, then were all dead:¹⁵ And that he died for all, that those who live may not henceforth live for themselves, but for him who died and rose for them.

¹⁶ And now from henceforth we do not know any one in the body: even though once we had known Christ in the body, we no longer know him now.¹⁷ Whoever from now on is a follower of Christ, is a new creation: old things have passed away;¹⁸ And all things have become new through God who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation;¹⁹ For God was in Christ, who has reconciled the world with his majesty, not counting their sins against them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we beseech you for Christ; be reconciled to God.²¹ For he who did not know sin, for your sakes he made him sin, that we may through him be made the righteousness of God.