20 Therefore, we are ambassadors(A) for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf,(B) “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the one who did not know sin(C) to be sin[a] for us,(D) so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Working together with him, we also appeal to you, “Don’t receive the grace of God in vain.” For he says:

At an acceptable time I listened to you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.[b](E)

See, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation!(F)

Footnotes

  1. 5:21 Or be a sin offering
  2. 6:2 Is 49:8

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,(A) as though God were making his appeal through us.(B) We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.(C) 21 God made him who had no sin(D) to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.(E)

As God’s co-workers(F) we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.(G) For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[b](H)

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 5:21 Or be a sin offering
  2. 2 Corinthians 6:2 Isaiah 49:8