2 Coríntios 5

George MacDonald · Citado em PreceptAustin

2 Coríntios 5

MacDonald asks why does Paul say made without hands because "Our present bodies are not made with hands; so why should he emphasize that our future, glorified bodies will not be made with hands? The answer is that the expression not made with hands means “not of this creation.” This is made clear in Hebrews 9:11, where we read, “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.” What Paul is saying in 2 Corinthians 5:1 is that whereas our present bodies are suited to life on this earth, our future, glorified bodies will not be of this creation. They will be especially designed for life in heaven. (Believer's Bible Commentary) David

2 Coríntios 5

MacDonald - If, on the other hand, he was of sound mind, it was for the sake of the Corinthians. What the verse says, in short, is that all of Paul’s behavior could be explained in one of two ways: either it was zeal for God, or it was for the welfare of his fellow believers. In both cases, his motives were entirely unselfish. Could his critics say that of themselves? (Believer's Bible Commentary)

2 Coríntios 5

MacDonald - God has provided a way by which men’s trespasses might not be imputed to them, but while that way is available to all, it is effective only in those who are in Christ. The trespasses of unsaved men are definitely reckoned to them, but the moment these men trust the Lord Jesus as Savior, they are reckoned righteous in Him, and their sins are blotted out. (Believer's Bible Commentary) And He has committed to us the word of reconciliation (katallage) - Murray Harris' paraphrase = "And the obligation and privilege of declaring this message of reconciliation God has entrusted to our care." Note again God is the initiator and the giver and He Himself literally places this in us. What does he "place in us?" That is almost a rhetorical question. The truth that we are His royal representatives of His kingdom of light to proclaim the excellencies of Him Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1Pe 2:9+) to souls who are in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation (Php 2:15+) is a truth that should overwhelm us with gratitude and a sense of urgency. That the Almighty, Holy One of Israel would use "jars of clay" (2Co 4:7ESV) to dispense His priceless, costly Gospel message to people dead in their trespasses and sins is beyond amazing grace. Ponder the irony - sinners reconciled by grace are now messengers of reconciliation! ILLUSTRATION - Reconciled Through Death - It is said that years ago in a western city a husband and wife became estranged and chose to separate. They moved away and lived in different parts of the country. The husband happened to return to the city on a matter of business and went out to the cemetery to the grave of their only son. He was standing by the grave in fond reminiscence when he heard a step behind him. Turning, he saw his estranged wife. The initial impulse of both was to turn away. But they had a common hearted interest in that grave, and instead of turning away they clasped hands over the grave of their son and were reconciled. They were reconciled by death! Our personal reconciliation took nothing less than the death of God’s Son; but his death and its effects went far beyond any human death. (Clarence E. Macartney, Macartney’s Illustrations quoted by R K Hughes) Ray Stedman Devotional on 2 Corinthians 5:19 This is the message above all else, that the world needs to know. The problem with people everywhere is they have no security, no sense of acceptance, and no sense of worth. Most people have a poor self-image--even the blustering people who try to portray that they are self-sufficient. Deep inside they know their actions are a cover-up; they know they do not really feel as confident as they would lead others to believe. They are often scared and frustrated. They have to pretend that they are able to handle everything, but at the end of the day they know they did not. The reason people lack security is because they feel an alienation, an estrangement, from God. They live in a universe they obviously know does not belong to them. They did not make it; they do not run it. This whole world was functioning long before you and I showed up on it. People know that; therefore, they feel uneasy. Estrangement and alienation are the supreme problems of our day. This message addresses the concern that we are lost, we are alienated, and we are cut off from the God who runs everything. This is a message, therefore, that strikes home to human hearts everywhere. It does not make any difference what color your skin is, what your background is, or how you grew up. You can say this to a businessperson on Wall Street; you can say it to a craftsperson, a plumber, a doctor, a lawyer, or to a member of any occupation. They all need this universal word of reconciliation sent to the world. A characteristic of this message is that it does not talk about the judgment of God over sin. When I graduated from seminary, I came to my occupation as a preacher with the idea that my job was to make people aware of their sin and to tell them of the judgment of God upon evil. I was brought up in a theological generation that was taught that you have to scare people before they will become Christians--to make them believe they are going to hell, so that when they see the flames burning beneath them, when they feel the singeing of their hair, then they will repent of their evil. Then I began to learn from verses like this. I saw from the approaches of the apostles and the Lord Himself that that is not the message. (Ultimately you may have to warn people of coming judgment if they refuse this message of grace, but that is not where you start.) This is a message where God is saying, We do not need to talk about judgment. I've taken care of that. I learned after a few years that all I need to do is go to people, taking for granted that they are hurting inside from their sins, just as I was hurting from my sins, and talk about a God who understands that, who wants to relieve them from that hurt and has done something about it. Therefore, He was not ready to throw me into hell; He was opening His arms and inviting me to come to a loving Father and be restored. That is the message. Lord, thank You that You have entrusted me with this message of reconciliation. Make me sensitive to Your Spirit that I might share it with those whom You have prepared. Life Application - What is God's message of reconciliation to our deep-seated sense of alienation and estrangement from Him? Are we carriers of that message? The Father's Love God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. —2 Corinthians 5:19 Today's Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14 In his autobiography, a well-known TV personality describes the time when he asked, “If God the Father is so all-loving, why didn’t He come down and go to Calvary?” That comment reveals how little he understood the love of a good earthly father and the depth of love revealed in the Trinity. Consider the love an earthly father has for his son. In Genesis 22, we read that God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. We can only imagine the agony in his heart as he and the boy climbed the mountain. Surely Abraham must have wished he could take Isaac’s place. As a father and grandfather myself, I would choose to die in place of my offspring, if given the choice. Our love as earthly fathers is but a faint reflection of our heavenly Father’s love for His Son and for us. Because of the close relationship between the Father and the Son, Jesus could say, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30). And the Bible tells us that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). Without a doubt, therefore, the Father did share His Son’s pain at Calvary. Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? —Wesley The Father's love knows no limit. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ambassadors: 2Co 3:6 Job 33:23 Pr 13:17 Mal 2:7 Joh 20:21 Ac 26:17,18 Eph 6:20 as: 2Co 5:11 2Co 6:1 2Ki 17:13 2Ch 36:15 Ne 9:29 Isa 55:6,7 Jer 44:4 Eze 18:31,32 in: Job 33:6 Lu 10:16 1Co 4:4,5 1Th 4:8 be: Job 22:21 Pr 1:22-33 Isa 27:5 Jer 13:16,17 Jer 38:20 Lu 14:23 2 Corinthians 5 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Corinthians 5:11 (AMBASSADORS PERSUADE MEN) Therefore, (FIRST - MOTIVATION) knowing the fear of the Lord, (THEN - MESSAGE) we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. Luke 10:16 (FATE OF AMBASSADORS) “The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” Isaiah 27:5 (BE RECONCILED) “Or let him rely on My protection, Let him make peace with Me, Let him make peace with Me.” Jeremiah 38:20 (BE RECONCILED) But Jeremiah said, “They will not give you over. Please obey the LORD in what I am saying to you, that it may go well with you and you may live. Luke 14:23 (BE RECONCILED) “And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. FOR IN DEPTH COMMENT ON THIS VERSE CLICK 2 Corinthians 5:20 "HEAVEN'S AMBASSADORS ON EARTH" Therefore (term of conclusion) - This is one of the easiest terms of conclusion I've ever encountered. The conclusion of the fact that He has committed to us the word of reconciliation is that we need to spread the word of reconciliation as ambassadors for Christ. Matt Postiff calls 2Co 5:20-21 "Diplomatic Christianity." Wikipedia - Ambassador - An ambassador is an official envoy, especially a high-ranking diplomat who represents a state and is usually accredited to another sovereign state or to an international organization as the resident representative of their own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment. The word is also often used more liberally for persons who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions, activities and fields of endeavor such as sales. An ambassador is the ranking government representative stationed in a foreign capital or country. Ambassadors - Paul uses the technical term for the political office of one who represents one kingdom to another. He and the other apostles were ambassadors in a special, authoritative sense, but all Christians, in imitation of Paul (1 Th 1:5-7; Heb. 6:10-12), bear the honor of representing Christ to the world. Wilson's Bible Types - Ambassador - This title is given to those Christians who carry GOD's message to a lost and hostile world. It probably does not apply to all believers for many of GOD's children are afraid to become His messengers (ED: I STRONGLY DISAGREE - THIS IS THE PRIVILEGE OF EVERY BELIEVER!), and they keep the good news to themselves The true ambassador comes out boldly for his king and for his country. (ED: THE ONLY WAY AN AMBASSADOR CAN BE "BOLD" IS TO SEEK INTERCESSORY PRAYER AND BE FILLED WITH AND EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT - SEE Acts 4:31+, Eph 6:19-20+) Ephesians 6:20 Paul used the title in this passage because he was representing Heaven on earth. He carried the King's message to the rebels who were bent on killing him. He was GOD's representative to bring to men the Word of his Lord (WORD OF RECONCILIATION) both for their salvation and their condemnation (IF THEY REJECTED IT). 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica Ambassador International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Ambassador McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Ambassador The Nuttall Encyclopedia Ambassador Easton's Bible Dictionary Ambassador Fausset Bible Dictionary Ambassador Holman Bible Dictionary Ambassador Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Ambassador, Ambassage Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Ambassador King James Dictionary Ambassador Smith Bible Dictionary Ambassador Webster Dictionary Ambassador Watson's Theological Dictionary Ambassador We are ambassadors (presbeuo) for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us - This hardly needs any exposition. It is so beautiful and clear as it stands. It is a description of that once in a lifetime opportunity to serve our Lord and Master as His ambassadors, His official heavenly representatives during our short stay on earth. Christ is now absent from the earth, and yet He speaks through His ambassadors. Every presidential election supporters of the new president are given the "cush" coveted jobs of ambassadors of the United States around the world. It is like a 4 year vacation (and even 8 if he is re-elected). As coveted as those U.S. ambassador posts are, they pale in comparison to the privilege EVERY believer in Christ has to represent our Lord with His message of reconciliation, which is the only way God calls men to the Gospel (see Ro 10:14-15+) And our "ambassadorship" does not end in 4 or 8 years, but only when our Father calls us home to heaven. In the meantime, our full-time job (privilege, honor and responsibility) is to speak the word of reconciliation to those who are hostile toward God (Col 1:21-22+) and are headed for eternal separation from Him! Are ambassadors is in present tense indicating that this privileged position of as Christ's ambassador is our ongoing duty as long as we are alive. In a sense we are never on "furlough!" Some have called themselves the "vicar of Christ" but every believer has the authority and privilege to be a "vicar of Christ!" One is reminded of Paul's command in Colossians 4:5-6+ to "Conduct (present imperative see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of (exagorazo in present tense also calling for continual dependence on the Holy Spirit) the opportunity (kairos - see also Redeem the Time). Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." In secular Greek ambassadors (presbeuo) was used of the emperor’s legates and of embassies between towns. To be an ambassador in the ancient world involved a commissioning for a special assignment, a call to represent the sender and a delegation of the authority of the sender. Charles Swindoll - Ambassadors represent their homeland and its messages, promoting its policies to the people among whom they live. Their country is often judged by their actions as their deeds are watched and their words scrutinized. The same is true for us. Our true home is in heaven; our true sovereign is the Lord Jesus Christ. As His ambassadors, we represent King Jesus to those around us, even though they do not acknowledge Him as their own sovereign Lord Tasker says "Ambassadors engaged upon human affairs are chosen especially for their tact, their dignity and their courtesy, and because they are gifted with persuasive powers. The ambassadors for Christ should show the same characteristics. They must never try to bludgeon men and women into the kingdom of God, but must speak the truth in love … by the gentleness and meekness of Christ." (The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians) The only other use of presbeuo (it is not found in the Septuagint) is also by Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians where he asks the saints for prayer that he might with boldness make known the mystery (truth once not known but now divinely revealed) of the Gospel (Eph 6:19-+) and then explains why... for which I am an ambassador in chains (He is literally in chains in prison; cp Ep 3:1+, Eph 4:1+); that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought ( = Paul pictures himself as continually under obligation to speak forth the Gospel boldly - not out of legalism but out of love for his Master - see 2Co 5:14+) to speak. (Ephesians 6:20+) Comment: If one was looking for excuses for not sharing the Gospel as an ambassador for Christ, it would seem Paul had the "perfect excuse" -- "I confined to a jail cell. I'm in prison and in chains." Clearly Paul did not see this as an obstacle but as an opportunity, for as he wrote in Second Timothy "I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the Word of God (the Gospel) is not imprisoned. For this reason (What reason?) I endure all things (What is he enduring?) for the sake of those who are chosen (elect - Paul did not know who they were, so he treated everyone as if they were elect! A good practice regarding a doctrine that tragically too often creates disunity, dissension and division!), that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory." (2Ti 2:9, 10-+) THOUGHT - What's my excuse for not being an ambassador for my King, Christ Jesus? Guzik... There is so much in the idea of ambassadors! An ambassador does not speak to please his audience, but the King who sent him. An ambassador does not speak on his own authority; his own opinions or demands mean little. He simply says what he has been commissioned to say. But an ambassador is more than a messenger; he is also a representative, and the honor and reputation of his country are in his hands. God’s ambassadors have the ministry of reconciliation (2Co 5:18) the message of reconciliation (2Co 5:19). the Model of reconciliation (2Co 5:21). As though God were making an appeal (parakaleo) through us - "God is sending you his invitation through us." (William Barclay) "God Himself Who issues his appeal through our words." (Murray Harris) God's appeal through us comes with God's authority (see Mt 28:19-20) We are as it were "God's mouthpiece" to speak forth His desire to reconcile sinners from their war with God, a war they cannot win in this life or the life to come! Making an appeal is in the present tense calling for a continuing appeal to those not reconciled and thus are still at war with Almighty God and in desperate need of a "permanent truce" or "peace treaty" lest they pass on to the next world as God's enemies who will suffer eternal separation from him and torturous imprisonment as "war criminals"! Note also that making an appeal (parakaleo) is the same verb Paul uses 2 verses later in 2Co 6:1+ "And working together with Him, we also urge (parakaleo) you not to receive the grace of God in vain." This verb (parakaleo) ties together the word of reconciliation (a word founded on the grace of God) in this chapter with the warning that the grace of God could be received in vain. An appeal through us makes me think of our call in 2Ti 2:21+ to be "vessels of honor ("jars of clay" - 2Co 4:7ESV+), sanctified (perfect tense), useful to the Master, prepared for every good work," that He may "pour" into us and through us into the souls around us desperately, deceitfully (Heb 3:13) trapped by Sin (Jn 8:34, Ro 6:17, 19, 20+) Paul Barnett - The ministry of reconciliation cannot be exercised in a detached and cold manner. The language Paul uses is deeply emotional and passionate. ‘Through us’, he declares, ‘God appeals to men and women, Christ implores them.’ This ministry can never be performed coldly or with a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude. Similarly, the hearers also need to be actively responsive to enter into a relationship of reconciliation with God. To be reconciled to God requires that a person ask God for the forgiveness he has provided in the death of his Son. This is clear in the teaching of Jesus where ‘to be reconciled’ means to seek for and receive forgiveness from the wronged party (Mt. 5:23–24). God will surely forgive; there is no doubt about it. But we must ask, and this means humbly acknowledging our need for forgiveness by God. (The Message of 2 Corinthians - Bible Speaks Today) We beg (deomai) you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled (katallasso) to God - Making an appeal...we beg - Although the two verbs (parakaleo and deomai) used in this entreaty are distinctive, their combined use (and both in present tense) undergirds the impassioned and urgent nature of Paul's entreaty. Don't put this off. Reconciliation is an offer to be presented and received today, as long as it is still called today! Don't procrastinate or hesitate or wait (e.g., until you've "got your act together" - see more on this in notes on 2Co 6:2)! The implication of this command be reconciled (in the aorist imperative which conveys a sense of urgency - "Do it now!" which requires one to yield to the Holy Spirit to obey) is that while God has provided the way for reconciliation and is thus the Reconciler, this reconciliation cannot take place apart from a sinner laying hold of God's great "life preserver" (message of reconciliation) by grace through faith. All of God's gifts must be received by faith! In other words reconciliation is available for all (some would argue this point) but is effectual only for those who receive it by faith (no one would argue this point).

2 Coríntios 5:1-3

MacDonald observes that "Paul opens the chapter with the assurance that if his earthly house should be destroyed (as a result of the sufferings mentioned in the preceding chapter) he knows he has a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (Ed: And again Paul's hope [absolute certainty] is not some disembodied state but his reception of the eternal glorified body). (Believer's Bible Commentary) Torn down is "a mild word for death, in the case of believers." (Jamieson). "A gentle word...taken down, done away with" (Bengel)

2 Coríntios 5:1-3

2 Coríntios 5:10

MacDonald comments… Actually it is not just a matter of appearing there, but of being made manifest. The New English Bible correctly says, “We must all have our lives laid open before the tribunal of Christ.” It is one thing to appear in a doctor’s office and quite another thing to be X-rayed by him there. (Borrow Believer's Bible Commentary ) Comment: Since our lives will indeed be "laid open before" the Lord Jesus Christ one day in the future, it behooves us now in the spirit of the teaching of Hebrews 4:12+, He 4:13+, to allow His incisive Word to pierce our innermost being and judge our worthless thoughts and intentions while today is still called "Today" (He 3:13+) so that we might purge (by prayerful Spirit wrought searching [Ps 139:23, 24note v23, note v24 ], confession [Pr 28:13] and repentance) those worthless thoughts, words and deeds. (See Jesus' warning in Mt 12:36 where "careless" is the Greek word argos [from "a" = without + ergon = work] literally meaning not working, idle, inactive, ineffective, and thus worthless!) Please do not misunderstand - ALL of our sins have been atoned for (Jn 19:30 = "Paid in Full"!see explanation) but our sins today will affect the quality of our work for (in) Him today and our reward from Him in the future (cp Gal 6:7, 8 = present imperative + negative = "Stop being deceived!" see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey). The Judgment Seat of Christ - Believers can stand at the Bema because Christ stood at Gabbatha (raised place, height, ridge) IN OUR PLACE (cp Substitutionary Atonement)! John records Pilate's passage of judgment on our Lord… When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat (bema) at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha (A term for what in Greek was called lithostrotos = “paved with stones” and was a vernacular term for Roman tribunal = a court of "justice"!, cp 1Pe 2:24+, Isa 53:5, 6, 2Co 5:21). 14 Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!" 15 They therefore cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." 16 So he then delivered Him to them to be crucified. (Jn 19:13, 14, 15, 16) Comment: Gabbatha was the Aramaic word describing the covered pavement where the judgment seat (bema) was set and on which Pilate sat in order to judge the Judge of all men (Jn 5:22, 27, 2Ti 4:1+) condemning Him to an undeserved, painful, shameful death! Because He stood fearlessly in our place on the Bema to be condemned by men, we can stand at His Bema without fear of condemnation by God (Ro 8:1+)! WHEN DOES THE BEMA JUDGMENT TAKE PLACE? The question of when the Bema Judgment take place is difficult to answer with any degree of "dogmatism". The majority of evangelical scholars favor this event taking place after the Rapture but before the return of Jesus to set up His Millennial Kingdom. The highly respected scholar Dwight Pentecost has the following explanation on the timing of of bema… The time of the bema of Christ. The event herein described takes place immediately following the translation of the church out of this earth's sphere. There are several considerations that support this. (1) In the first place, according to Lk 14:14, reward is associated with the resurrection. Since, according to 1Th 4:13-17, the resurrection is an integral part of the translation, reward must be a part of that program. (2) When the Lord returns to the earth with His bride to reign, the bride is seen to be already rewarded. This is observed in Rev 19:7, where it must be observed that the "righteousness of the saints" is plural and cannot refer to the imparted righteousness of Christ, which is the believer's portion, but the righteousnesses which have survived examination and have become the basis of reward. (3) In 1Cor 4:5; 2Ti 4:8; and Rev 22:12 the reward is associated with "that day," that is, the day in which He comes for His own. Thus it must be observed that the rewarding of the church must take place between the rapture and the revelation of Christ to the earth.' (From Things to Come - Borrow, 1958 - See page 220) One other Scripture that points to the Bema occurring during the Tribulation period is Revelation 11:18 (see commentary notes) where John writes… And the nations were enraged, and Thy wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged (this is the Great White Throne Judgment - see comments beginning at Rev 20:11), and the time to give their reward to Thy bond-servants the prophets and to the saints and to those who fear Thy name, the small and the great (this could refer to the Judgment Seat of Christ), and to destroy those who destroy the earth. If one reads the Revelation literally (which results in a chronological order for the successive unfolding of the seven sealed scroll, the seven trumpets and the seven bowl judgments), Revelation 11:18 seems to coincide with the events of the middle to the seven year period known as the Tribulation. To reiterate, most conservative evangelical scholars (especially pre-trib, pre-millennial) believe that this judgment will take place after the church is raptured and before the Second Coming of Christ at which time He inaugurates His 1000 year reign on earth from His throne in Jerusalem. For example Master's Seminary (John MacArthur) takes this view regarding the timing of the Bema Seat in their "Statement of Faith"… The Rapture of the Church - We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year tribulation (1Th 4:16; Titus 2:13) to translate His church from this earth (Jn 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1Th 4:15-5:11) and, between this event and His glorious return with His saints, to reward believers according to their works (1Co 3:11-15; 2Co 5:10). The Tribulation Period - We teach that immediately following the removal of the church from the earth (Jn 14:1-3; 1Th 4:13-18) the righteous judgments of God will be poured out upon an unbelieving world (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:27; 12:1; 2Th 2:7-12; Re 16:1ff), and that these judgments will be climaxed by the return of Christ in glory to the earth (Mt 24:27-31; 25:31 46; 2Th 2:7-12). At that time the Old Testament and tribulation saints will be raised and the living will be judged (Da 12:2-3; Re 20:4-6). This period includes the seventieth week of Daniel's prophecy (Daniel 9:24-27; Mt 24:15-31; 25:31-46). The Judgment of the Lost - We teach that following the release of Satan after the thousand year reign of Christ (Re 20:7), Satan will deceive the nations of the earth and gather them to battle against the saints and the beloved city, at which time Satan and his army will be devoured by fire from heaven (Re 20:9). Following this, Satan will be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone (Mt 25:41; Re 20:10) whereupon Christ, who is the Judge of all men (Jn 5:22, 27), will resurrect and judge the great and small at the Great White Throne judgment (Re 20:11ff+). We teach that this resurrection of the unsaved dead to judgment will be a physical resurrection, whereupon receiving their judgment (Jn 5:28,29), they will be committed to an eternal conscious punishment in the lake of fire (Mt 25:41; Re 20:11-15). (TMS - TMS Statement of Faith - Eschatology) Warren

2 Coríntios 5:10

MacDonald comments: The Lord Jesus was now instructing the disciples concerning the work to which they were called. He had chosen them to be reapers. They would not only earn wages in this life, but they would gather fruit for eternity as well. Service for Christ has many rewards at the present time. But in a coming day, reapers will have the additional joy of seeing souls in heaven because of their faithfulness in proclaiming the gospel message. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) (Bolding added) Ro 2:6+ Who (Ro 2:5+) WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS (Ed: "Payday someday" for every person ever born! Hallelujah or woe!) 1Cor 3:8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one (Ed: I.e., "one" in Christ thus there should be no jealousy, no division for we are all one Body of whom Christ is the Head and thus all glory is His alone not ours! cp Ps 115:1); but each will receive his own reward (On what is the reward based?) according to his own labor (Ed: While the glory is all God's, nevertheless [and reflective of His amazing grace and magnanimous character] God will bestow to each and every believer the exact reward that his labors on earth [enabled by the Spirit, not the flesh] deserve at the Judgment Seat of Christ). 9 For (Ed: term of explanation = explains the oneness just mentioned which serves to counter divisiveness) we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 According to (Ed: Note this preposition kata signifies not a miserly portion of His grace but proportionate to His boundless, infinite riches in Christ [cp 2Co 8:9] which is the necessary supernatural power for constructing any "building" that will be able endure testing by the divine fire) the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident (Quality, not quantity, of works is the basis of judgment); for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward (Note that there are no details of the reward). 15 If any man's work is burned up (This "negative incentive" of the positive incentive that we will get rewards for works that endure the fire), he shall suffer loss (E. W. Rogers notes that “Loss does not imply the forfeiture of something once possessed.”); but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. (1Co 3:8-15) Comment: First notice that the believer is not on trial but his WORKS are on trial so to speak. His fruit will be inspected so to speak (cp Jn 15:5, 8). A good analogy of what transpires at the Bema Seat is what happens at most US airports who employ fruit inspectors who will not allow "bad fruit" into the country! At LAX (Los Angeles airport) they provide trashcans with a sign "Dump Bad Fruit Here." Is Paul's teaching in this section encouraging or frightening to you? While 1Corinthians 3 in context is primarily addressed to teachers it certainly has application to the life of every believer. What are you doing with your life ---- wasting it or using it for the glory of God? Even better, what is the Spirit of the living God, doing in and through your life that is impacting eternity for your good and His glory? Do not be deceived -- how you live today, will definitely affect how you live in eternity. For example, study 1Ti 4:7,8-+ and notice that godliness is profitable not only for this life but for the life to come! This truth should cause us all to be careful how we walk, not as those who are unwise, but as those who are wise and who are making choices that make the most of our short time on earth and maximize our impact on eternity (Eph 5:15, 16-+) J

2 Coríntios 5:10

MacDonald writes " Paul is not speaking here of salvation at all but of service. He is not suggesting that he might ever be lost, but that he might not stand the test as far as his service was concerned and might be rejected for the prize. This interpretation exactly fits the meaning of the word disqualified and the athletic context. Paul recognizes the awful possibility that, having preached to others, he himself might be put on the shelf by the Lord as no longer usable by Him. In any event, the passage is an extremely serious one and should cause deep heart-searching on the part of everyone who seeks to serve the Lord Christ. Each one should determine that by the grace of God he will never have to learn the meaning of the word by experience. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived (present imperative + negative = Stop being deceived implying it was already occurring see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary (Ed: Paul's reminds weary, defeated workers for Christ of their payday someday. It's too soon to quit [Ec 9:10]. You don't harvest a field of wheat immediately after sowing the seed! So let the sure word of prophecy regarding the Bema Seat be a motivating truth, not a fearful truth!). 10 So then (concluding remarks = term of conclusion), while (Ed: a very important time phrase in context - while today is still called today, while we still have our senses about us, while we are still physically able, etc) we have opportunity (Beloved, read that phrase again! "while we have opportunity" where opportunity is kairos [word study], ultimately a divinely ordained segment or season of time, when once it passes, it is gone forever, which is why in another passage, Paul exhorts believers to redeem [present tense = continually strive to redeem] the precious moments we have been given - Eph 5:15, 16+, cp Ps 90:12), let us do good to all men (Ed: sow to the Spirit, reap at the Bema Seat), and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (See more in depth commentary = Gal 6:7+, Gal 6:8+, Gal 6:9+, Gal 6:10+) (Watch Redeem the Time video, article on Redeem the Time). John Wesley had a good perspective on the time and opportunities God has allotted to each believer to redeem, writing Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. Beloved, if you are struggling with God's will for your life, struggling with what to do with your time, struggling with how you should live in these last days, struggling with whether you are really looking forward to that moment in eternity when you will stand fully revealed before your Lord, then you can't afford not to watch the following video entitled Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper Related Resources: Download John Piper's book - Don't Waste Your Life; Download Don't Waste Your Life Study Guide Will Houghton spoke these words almost as a prayer upon hearing of the martyrdom of missionaries John (bio) and Betty Stamm in China in 1934… So this is life. This world with its pleasures, struggles, and tears, a smile, a frown, a sigh, friendship so true and love of kin and neighbor? Sometimes it is hard to live—always to die! The world moves on so rapidly for the living; the forms of those who disappear are replaced, and each one dreams that he will be enduring. How soon that one becomes the missing face! Help me to know the value of these hours. Help me to see the folly of all wasted opportunities. Help me to trust the Christ who bore my sorrows and to yield to Him. DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE! Only one life Twill soon pass Only what's done in Christ Will last! Three things are for sure in this life: [1] Birth starts our life! (true both physically & spiritually) “You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die. And you’re not ready to die until you’ve been Born Again.” You couldn’t do anything to prepare for your birth but you have everything to do w/preparing to die! Are you prepared? [2] Death ends our earthly life! Are you ready to die? Ready to meet your Maker? Have you made your reservations? No one can book the flight for you! Illustration: E-Tickets now! - No paper tickets necessary now. No lines. Just a confirmation number is needed. [3] Everything in between those 2 dates determines our future life! (Brian Bell) Eph 6:7+ With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. Comment:

2 Coríntios 5:11-13

MacDonald writes that: The day of our Lord Jesus looks forward particularly to the Judgment Seat of Christ when the service of the redeemed will be evaluated and rewarded. When Paul looked forward to that tribunal, he invariably saw the faces of those who had been saved through his ministry. They would be his joy and crown of rejoicing (boasting), and they, in turn, would rejoice (boast) that he had been God’s instrument to lead them to Christ.

2 Coríntios 5:18-19

MacDonald adds that...God has provided a way by which men’s trespasses might not be imputed to them, but while that way is available to all, it is effective only in those who are in Christ. The trespasses of unsaved men are definitely reckoned to them, but the moment these men trust the Lord Jesus as Savior, they are reckoned righteous in Him, and their sins are blotted out. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) Trespasses (3900) (paraptoma from para = aside + pipto = fall) is literally a falling aside or beside, to stumble on something (so as to lose footing) and in its figurative ethical use (which is the only way it is used in the NT) describes a "false step", a violation of moral standards or a deviation from living according to what has been revealed as the right way to live. Paraptoma is a false step out of the appointed way, a trespass on forbidden ground, a stepping out of line of true conduct, a deviation from truth and uprightness. Paraptoma describes what a person has done in transgressing the will and law of God by some false step or failure. Paraptoma conveys the idea of a false step and so is translated a transgression (transgress in English means to to go beyond or overstep a limit or boundary and is from Latin trans- across + gradi = to step). Vine writes that paraptoma is...“a lapse from uprightness, a sin, a moral trespass, misdeed,” and is translated “transgression” in Ro 11:11 (note), of the sin and “downfall” of Israel in their refusal to acknowledge God’s claims and His Christ (Messiah), which led to the offer of salvation to Gentiles. (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words) It should be noted that there is a subtle distinction between sin and transgression -- The idea behind transgression is that we have crossed a line, challenging God's boundaries. The idea behind sin is that we have missed a mark, God's standard that calls for perfection, every time! Vincent has this note on paraptoma writing that...In classical Greek the verb (parapipto) is often used of intentional falling, as of throwing one’s self upon an enemy; and this is the prevailing sense in biblical Greek, indicating reckless and willful sin (see 1Chr 5:25; 10:13; 2Chr 26:18; 29:6, 19; Ezek. 14:13; 18:26). It does not, therefore, imply palliation or excuse. It is a conscious violation of right, involving guilt, and occurs therefore, in connection with the mention of forgiveness (see Ro 4:25-+; Ro 5:16-+, Col 2:13-+, Eph 2:1-+, Eph 2:5-+). Unlike parabasis (transgression), which contemplates merely the objective violation of law, it carries the thought of sin as affecting the sinner, and hence is found associated with expressions which indicate the consequences and the remedy of sin (see Ro 4:25-+, Ro 5:15-+ Ro 5:17-+; Ep 2:1-+) (Vincent, M. R. Word Studies in the New Testament). Committed to us - Literally having put or placed in us. Having deposited in us (as if picturing the word of reconciliation as a sacred treasure!) "Lodged in us" (Vincent). The idea is that God entrusted or commissioned them (cp Gal 2:7, 1Ti 1:12). He has put the message in their mouths as it were. While "us" in context refers primarily to Paul and his fellow ambassadors, this charge is applicable to all believers. Alford adds that the idea is not "merely ‘committed to us,’ but ‘laid upon us,’ as our office and charge, and, besides, ‘empowered us for,’ ‘put in our souls by His Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5 Commentary) As A C Gaebelein says...Having reconciled us unto Himself by Jesus Christ, He has also given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Having brought us into this blessed position through grace, He calls us to make it known to others and lead others to Him. What we have received we are to use in our ministry. And every reconciled one is called into this service to exercise the ministry of reconciliation and be a soul-winner. (2Corinthians 5 Commentary)

2 Coríntios 5:20-21

MacDonald adds...We must beware of any idea that on the Cross of Calvary the Lord Jesus Christ actually became sinful in Himself. Such an idea is false. Our sins were placed on Him, but they were not in Him. What happened is that God made Him to be a sin-offering on our behalf. Trusting in Him, we are reckoned righteous by God. The claims of the law have been fully satisfied by our Substitute. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) Hughes makes a good point reminding us that...Not for one moment does He (Jesus) cease to be righteous, else the radical exchange envisaged by the Apostle here, whereby our sin is transferred to Him and His righteousness is transferred to us, would be no more than a fiction or an hallucination. Sin (noun) (266) (hamartia) literally conveys the sense of missing the mark as when hunting with a bow and arrow (in Homer some hundred times of a warrior hurling his spear but missing his foe). Later hamartia came to mean missing or falling short of any goal, standard, or purpose. Ryrie adds that "this is not only a negative idea but includes the positive idea of hitting some wrong mark." Hamartia is a deviation from God's truth or His moral rectitude (righteousness). It is a deviation from the straight line (and the strait gate), clearly marked off by the "plumb line" of God's Word of Truth (Col 1:5-+, 2Ti 2:15-+, Jas 1:18-+). As someone has well said ultimately sin is man's declaration of his independence from God -- the "apostasy" of the creature from his Creator! From a Biblical perspective hamartia describes the missing of the ultimate purpose and person of our lives, that purpose being to please God Who is also the Person the sinner misses in time and in eternity, unless they receive by faith the message of reconciliation. Well might the sun in darkness hide, And shut his glories in, When God, the mighty Maker, died For man, the creature's sin. --Isaac Watts