1 + 2 Corinthians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

2 CORINTHIANS 5

GOD PROVIDED JESUS AS THE PAYMENT FOR SIN

Paul tells of the permanent dwelling of believers in eternity, which he describes as a mansion. The temporary dwelling places of Earth are like tents by comparison! God prepares believers for heaven and gives them the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of eternal life. Christians can have courage, knowing that the spirit will find its home with God after the body has perished. Believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight, meaning they put their belief in God despite being unseen. Because of their hope for eternity, followers of Jesus can have courage in knowing they have a heavenly dwelling place.

Paul emphasizes living in a way that models Christ, trusting in His death and resurrection as the source of new life for believers. Whoever has put their faith in Jesus is a new creation—the old has gone and the new has come! Using the phrase “Ministry of Reconciliation,” Paul explains how the death of Jesus paid the price for sin and allowed humanity to be reconciled with God. Because God demands holiness, He sent Jesus as a perfect sacrifice to bridge the gap between a sinful humanity and a perfect God. In response to God’s goodness, believers respond as ambassadors of Christ, telling others about the good news of Jesus.

STUDY QUESTIONS

What does God provide as a guarantee of salvation (2 Corinthians 5:5)?