A single almond tree in full white blossom on a bare, stony hillside at sunrise, fresh green grass at its feet.

The Book of

2 Corinthians 5

Our bodies are tents that wear out. Paul writes about the home God is preparing, and about the cross that makes everything new.

21 verses≈ 4 minBSB

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Where we are

1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plans
2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenantChapter 5
5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restored
8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saints
10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministry

Our Eternal Dwelling

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Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:7

away from the body and at home with the Lord

2 Corinthians 5:8

So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.

Question

Quick question

Paul compares our bodies to a tent that will one day come down. He says God has already given believers something to hold on to.

What has God given us “as a pledge of what is to come”?

Ambassadors for Christ

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well. We are not commending ourselves to you again. Instead, we are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you can answer those who take pride in appearances rather than in the heart.

If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflect

The new has come

Paul writes, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away.” What old thing has God put behind you since you came to Christ? What new thing do you see Him doing in you now? Write it down, and thank Him that He is still at work.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Seen from behind, a man in a travel-worn cloak walks up a village lane at dawn toward a house whose door stands open, a lamp still burning in the doorway.

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

0:10

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Reconciled

Whiteboard

Everything starts with God. He reconciled us to Himself through Christ, not counting our sins against us, and then gave His people the message. Ambassadors carry the King’s appeal: “Be reconciled to God.” Underneath it all is the great exchange. The sinless One took our sin, so that in Him we are counted righteous.

Pray

Be reconciled

Thank God that He “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” Ask Him to fill you with Christ’s love, so that you no longer live for yourself but for Him, and to give you courage to carry His message to someone who still needs to hear, “Be reconciled to God.”

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2 Corinthians 5

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A verse to carry with you

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

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