| 1 We know that when our earthly dwelling, or rather our tent, is destroyed, we may count on a building from God, a heavenly dwelling not built by human hands, that lasts forever. | |
| 2 Therefore we long and groan: Why may we not put on this heavenly dwelling over that which we have? | |
| 3 (Indeed, are we sure that we shall still be wearing our earthly dwelling and not be unclothed?) | |
| 4 As long as we are in the field-tent, we indeed moan our unbearable fate for we do not want this clothing to be removed from us; we would rather put the other over it, that the mortal body may be absorbed by true life. | |
| 5 This is God’s purpose for us, and he has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what we are to receive. | |
| 6 So we feel confident always. We know that while living in the body, we are exiled from the Lord, | |
| 7 living by faith, without seeing; | |
| 8 but we dare to think that we would rather be away from the body to go and live with the Lord. | |
| 9 So, whether we have to keep this house or lose it, we only wish to please the Lord. | |
| 10 Anyway we all have to appear before the tribunal of Christ for each one to receive what he deserves for his good or evil deeds in the present life. | |
| 11 So we know the fear of the Lord and we try to convince people while we live openly before God. And I trust that you know in your conscience what we truly are. | |
| 12 Once more, we do not try to win your esteem; we want to give you a reason to feel proud of us, that you may respond to those who heed appearances and not the reality. | |
| 13 Now, if I have spoken foolishly, let God alone hear; if what I have said makes sense, take it for yourselves. | |
| 14 Indeed the love of Christ holds us and we realize that if he died for all, all have died. | |
| 15 He died for all so that those who live may live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and rose again for them. | |
| 16 And so from now on, we do not regard anyone from a human point of view; and even if we once knew Christ personally, we should now regard him in another way. | |
| 17 For that same reason, the one who is in Christ is a new creature. For him the old things have passed away; a new world has come. | |
| 18 All this is the work of God who in Christ reconciled us to himself, and who entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. | |
| 19 Because in Christ God reconciled the world with himself, no longer taking into account their trespasses and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. | |
| 20 So we present ourselves as ambassadors in the name of Christ, as if God himself makes an appeal to you through us. Let God reconcile you; this we ask you in the name of Christ. | |
| 21 He had no sin, but God made him bear our sin, so that in him we might share the holiness of God. | |
