Examining 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Expositor & Teacher. We read, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:11). In this verse Paul writes that he knows “the fear of the Lord.” This phrase is not a reference to dread or anxiety! He does not mean that he fears eternal damnation. Paul teaches that salvation from sin and hell is a gift given freely by God to all who’ve placed faith in Christ. It is not obtained by doing good works (Ephesians 2:8–9). The fear here is used in the sense of respectful awareness, the way mature folks have a healthy respect of things like fire or electricity. Earlier, (the previous verse) Paul described why he lives in fear of the Lord. He is aware that once this life is over, every heaven-bound believer will have his or her works judged by Christ. All we have done in our bodies on this side of eternity will be shown to be worthwhile or worthless, in service of Christ or serving only ourselves. Each will be rewarded or reprimanded based on his or her choices. Paul’s reverent awe for the Lord, whom he represents as an apostle, motivated him to keep carrying the gospel of salvation to more and more people in order to receive Jesus’ appreciation, praise, and commendation at that judgment. Paul and his co-workers are genuine in their work for Christ. Paul writes that they “are manifest to God.” In other words, God knows what they are, their mission, their motivation, and the fruit that has come from that. Paul adds that he hopes his readers know, in their conscience, what he and his co-workers are, as well. Be encouraged!