⁸ We are confident, yes, ^(A)well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but ^(A)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life ^(B)or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I ^[a]cannot tell. ^23 [b]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a ^(C)desire to depart and be with Christ, which is ^(D)far better. ²⁴ Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

⁶ So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.

² Beloved, ^(A)now we are children of God; and ^(B)it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, ^(C)we shall be like Him, for ^(D)we shall see Him as He is.

² I know a man ^(A)in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one ^(B)was caught up to the third heaven. ³ And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—

³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, ^(A)I will come again and receive you to Myself; that ^(B)where I am, there you may be also.

The Judgment Seat of Christ

⁹ Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.