2 Corinthians 5

Lord (Jesus Christ)

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 2 Corinthians 5:6–9

In mortality we live apart from the Lord's presence and walk by faith; Paul longs to be with Him. Whether here or there, the goal is to be accepted by the Lord.

Judgment seat of Christ

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10–11

Everyone will stand before Jesus Christ to be judged for what they did in mortality. Knowing He is our Judge moves Paul to persuade others to repent.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Romans 14:10 — "we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ".
• the same event in Mormon 3:20 — All must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ to be judged of their works.
• the same event in John 5:22 — The Father "hath committed all judgment unto the Son".

One died for all

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

Christ's love drives Paul: Jesus died for every person and rose again. Because He gave His life for us, we should live for Him instead of for ourselves.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

New creature in Christ

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 2 Corinthians 5:16–17

We no longer see Christ only as a mortal man but as the risen Lord. Anyone who comes into Christ becomes a new person; the old life passes away.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• the same event in Mosiah 27:25-26 — All mankind must be born again and become "new creatures" to inherit the kingdom of God.

Reconciliation through Jesus Christ

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20

Sin separates us from God; through Jesus Christ the Father brings us back into harmony with Him, which is the meaning of at-one-ment. Apostles are Christ's ambassadors, pleading for people to accept that reconciliation.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Jacob 4:11 — "be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son".

Made sin for us, who knew no sin

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Jesus never sinned, yet the Father let Him carry the weight of our sins as if they were His own. In exchange, we can become righteous through Him.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Isaiah 53:6 — "the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all".
• typified by Leviticus 16:21-22 — The scapegoat bears the sins of Israel laid on its head.
• the same title in Hebrews 4:15 — Our high priest was tempted in all points "yet without sin".