2 Corinthians 5:7 in the New Testament of the Bible presents a vital theological concept, enduring word. Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes our walk by faith and not by sight, a principle that has stood the test of time. Let's delve into a commentary on this verse and understand its enduring impact.
Before we scrutinize the verse, it's crucial to understand the context. Paul, in his Corinthian correspondence, is addressing various issues plaguing the church, including divisions, immorality, and lawsuits. He writes this second letter to reprimand and encourage them towards vilifying unity and spiritual growth. In Chapter 5, Paul discusses our embodies 'clothes' (verses 1-5) and transitions into our future, bodily home (verses 6-8), setting the stage for our focus verse.
Faith: The currency of the spiritual realm
The phrase 'by faith' (Greek: ex faith) is key to understanding verse 7. Faith is not mere intellectual assent but a personal trust and confidence in God's promises. It's the currency that enables us to navigate the spiritual realm and receive divine blessings.
Paul uses the contrast 'by faith' and 'by sight' (Greek: ex heōron) to emphasize the primacy of faith over human perception or reason. 'Sight' here doesn't refer to physical vision but the empirical, tangible evidence one can see or measure. In essence, Paul is contrasting the visible, temporal world with the invisible, eternal one.
Faith and Eternity
Faith isn't confined to the temporal but reaches into the eternal. It's our spiritual 'long-distance Eyes', enabling us to perceive what's unseen. John in Revelation 21:4-5 describes heaven as the place where 'there shall be no more death ... no sorrow, no crying, no pain,' unseen reality to the natural eye but promised by God and accepted by faith.
Circumstances will change, life will pass away (1 Corinthians 7:31), but our faith remains. We are called to live in light of eternity, not mired in the temporary. As Hebrews 11:1 explains, faith is 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.'
Faith and Personal Transformation
Paul's 'we have confidence' (Greek: parrēsiaz Ein) refers to boldness, assurance, or confidence. It's not boasting but a humble reliance on God's promises. In verse 6, Paul describes our 'walking by faith' as being at home in the body means 'absent from the Lord.' This confidence isn't based on our righteousness but on the righteousness Christ imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This confidence spurs our personal transformation, as we live according to what God has declared over us, not according to what we see. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to 'not be conformed to this world' but transformed by the renewal of our mind. This spiritual makeover is possible only through faith.
The power of Christ in our weakness
Paul now contrasts our present 'tent' (our bodies) with our future, permanent 'home' in verse 1-4. We groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, yet we're content to walk by faith, not by sight.
In verses 12-13, Paul shares his resolve not to commend himself or live under human scrutiny but through the judgment of God. His confidence isn't in his performance but in Christ's power working in his weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
The Judgment of God
The 'not again know' (Greek: oudetai) implies divesting one's self of commendation, not to avoid judgment, for Paul encourages self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5). Instead, it's a testament to his faith, trusting that God will vindicate him.
We too, through faith in Christ, have direct access to God's 'judgment throne' (Romans 14:10). Our confidence isn't based on our merit but on God's unilateral declaration of righteousness through faith. As John 5:24 tells us, 'whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has crossed over from death to life.'
Commissioned by Christ
Paul's heart for evangelism is evident in verses 18-21. He acts as Christ's ambassador, urging reconciliation through Christ. We too, being born of God, are commissioned to share this message of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).
This commission isn't burdensome but empowers us to live confidently. We are not peddling a philosophy but testifying about Christ. This isn't our personal opinion but God's resolution concerning the world (2 Corinthians 5:19).
2 Corinthians 5:7, therefore, serves as an enduring word, challenging us to live by faith despite our circumstances. Through faith, we glimpse eternity, are transformed personally, and are commissioned to share this transformative power with the world. As we live by faith, not by sight, we leave behind a legacy of trust, hope, and love, erecting a tent of testimony, uniting us with Christ.