II Corinthians 5

  • II Corinthians 5:1-3 – “Tent” here refers to the earthly human body. See II Peter 1:13-14. We have an eternal component that is temporarily housed in an earthly body. See Mark 14:58; John 1:14; I Corinthians 15:50-55. Paul had talked about this idea with them at length.
  • II Corinthians 5:4-5 – While in our physical bodies, we yearn to be back with God. We are being prepared to go back to live with God. Truly understanding that should change how we view this life.
  • II Corinthians 5:6-7 – While on earth, we are separated from God in such a way that we must choose to seek God.
  • II Corinthians 5:8-10 – See Luke 23:43; I Thessalonians 4:1. Jesus is in heaven, where we all desire to be. Verse 10 refutes the “once saved, always saved” doctrine.
  • II Corinthians 5:11-12 – Operating based on outward appearance is the wrong perspective.
  • II Corinthians 5:13-15 – Verse 14 is saying that Jesus died, so we must put away our old lives.
  • II Corinthians 5:16-17 – We should not judge people based on outward appearance. We should use a spiritual standard. See Colossians 3:9-11; Romans 6:4; Ephesians 4:23-24.
  • II Corinthians 5:18-19 – When we are forgiven, we are reconciled to God. See Colossians 1:19-23; Romans 5:11.
  • II Corinthians 5:20-21 – Paul is using a figure here. Jesus became the sacrifice for sin. See I Corinthians 5:7; I Peter 1:18; 2:22; 3:21.