Our Eternal Dwelling (Romans 8:18–27)
1 WBS For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. BSB BSB: For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 WBS For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our house which is from heaven: BSB BSB: For in this tent we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,
3 WBS If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. BSB BSB: because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
4 WBS For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not because we would be unclothed, but clothed, that mortality might be swallowed up in life. BSB BSB: For while we are in this tent, we groan under our burdens, because we do not wish to be unclothed but clothed, so that our mortality may be swallowed up by life.
5 WBS Now he that hath wrought us for this same thing is God, who also hath given to us the earnest of the Spirit. BSB BSB: And it is God who has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.
6 WBS Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: BSB BSB: Therefore we are always confident, although we know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord.
7 WBS (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) BSB BSB: For we walk by faith, not by sight.
9 WBS Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted by him. BSB BSB: So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.
10 WBS For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he hath done, whether good or bad. BSB BSB: 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.
Ambassadors for Christ 11 WBS Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. BSB BSB: 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.
12 WBS For we commend not ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them who glory in appearance, and not in heart. BSB BSB: 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.
13 WBS For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we are sober, it is for your cause. BSB BSB: If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
14 WBS For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: BSB BSB: For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
15 WBS And that he died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again. BSB BSB: 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.
16 WBS Wherefore henceforth we know no man according to the flesh: though indeed we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now henceforth we know him no more. BSB BSB: 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.
17 WBS Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. BSB BSB: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
20 WBS Now then we are embassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. BSB BSB: 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.