¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives

¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless^(A) and at peace with him.

¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us^(A) for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord,^(B) we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.^(C)

⁵ All this is evidence^(A) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy^(B) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just:^(C) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you^{(D) 7} and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven^(E) in blazing fire^(F) with his powerful angels.^(G)

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”^(A)

²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^(A) groan^(B) inwardly as we wait eagerly^(C) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^{(D) 24} For in this hope we were saved.^(E) But hope that is seen is no hope at all.^(F) Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.^(G)