2nd Corinthians 6

 

1 We then, as fellow workers together with Christ, exhort you also so that you do not receive the grace of God in vain.

2 {For He has said (through the prophet Isaiah), I have heard you (call upon my name) in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I helped you (removing the death that reigned over you): behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day (to take the cup) of salvation.}

3 Placing no obstacle (for one to stumble at the truth) in anything, so that the ministry (of reconciliation) is not blemished:

4 But in all things, we have demonstrated ourselves as the ministers of (the grace of) God, with great endurance, in tribulations, in hardships, in distresses,

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in riots, in laborious toil, in vigilance, in fastings (which give over the care of our lives into His hands);

6 In pureness (and sincerity of heart), in (the true) knowledge (of God), in patience (that endures in all things), in (goodness) kindness (and temperance), in the Holy Ghost, (abiding) in (the) genuine (perfect) love (of the Father),

7 In the word of truth, in the power (and demonstration of the Spirit) of God, by the armor of righteousness (a sword) on the right hand and (a shield) on the left,

8 By honor and dishonor, by bad report and good report: as deceivers, and true;

9 As unknown, and (yet) well known (by God); as dying, and behold (in Him), we live (forevermore); as chastened, but not given over to death;

10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing (in the midst of it); as destitute, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open (and have spoken frankly) to you, our heart has been enlarged (with love for you).

12 You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained by your own hearts.

13 Now (I desire) for the return of the same, {I speak as to my children}, that you would also enlarge your hearts (to us).

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with (the doctrines of) unbelievers (and the wisdom contained in the world): for what fellowship has (the) righteousness (of God to serve you with all the fruit of His incorruptible life) with (the) unrighteousness (of establishing your own perishable life)? and what communion has (life and) light with (death and) darkness?

15 And what harmony has Christ with Belial (the wicked one)? or what portion does he that believes have with an unbeliever?

16 And what agreement has a temple of God with (dumb) idols (made with man's hands)? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

17 Therefore, (though you live among them) depart from (walking in agreement) along with those (who lust after the life they can gather to themselves), and separate yourself (from their ways), says the Lord, and do not touch (receiving) the unclean thing (they believe which is able to defile you); (but call upon My name) and I will receive you,

18 And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, said the Lord Almighty.