Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

WHY DEATH HOLDS NO TERRORS TO THE SAVED

1) "For we know that if our earthly house," (oidamen hoti can Blepomena aionia hemon aikia) "For we perceive that should the earthly house," the mortal, physical body - For (Gk. gar) refers to 2 Corinthians 4:17; "we know," Romans 7:14; 1 Corinthians 8:13.

2) "Of this tabernacle were dissolved." (tou skenous kataluthe) "of this tabernacle or tent be torn down;" The figure of the tent conveys the idea of an uncertain abiding, a temporary abode, the brevity of this life, Genesis 3:19; Job 14:1.

3) "We have a building of God," (oikodomen ek theou echomen) We have a finished (domed up) house of God," a permanent, celestial, eternal, spiritual body awaiting the receipt of our soul, at the coming of our Lord.

4) "An house not made with hands," (oikian acheiropoleton) "an house not hand-made," not made by hands, not developed by process of earthly, evolutionary growth, but a direct gift from God, 1 Corinthians 15:35; 1 Corinthians 15:38; 1 Corinthians 15:54-58.

5) "Eternal in the heavens," (aionion en tois ouranois) "Eternal (unending) in the heavens," located in the heavens, prepared, awaiting, described 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Philippians 3:20-21; John 14:2; Hebrews 11:9-10; Hebrews 11:16.

1) "For in this we groan," (kai gar entouto stenazomen) "For in this indeed we groan," In this earthly house we groan, awaiting our adoption, the redemption of the body, Romans 8:23; 2 Corinthians 5:4. We here groan and sigh for freedom from the body of pain.

2) "Earnestly desiring " (epipothountes) "greatly yearning or desiring;" until then we groan, desiring to serve God in this temporal body, as the Holy Spirit helps us, Romans 7:15-25; Romans 8:26-27.

3) "To be clothed upon," (ependusasthai) "to be clothed or dressed up, to put on the sinless, painless body, of heaven’s nature of holiness, 2 Corinthians 5:4. To dress up in an immortal, undying, celestial body is a noble desire, 1 Corinthians 15:52-53.

4) "With our house which is from heaven," (to oiketerion hemon to eks ouranou) "the dwelling place (house), the one (coming) out of heaven," John 14:1-3. This will be brought to us from the Lord at His coming, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 21:2; Philippians 1:23.

1) "If so be that being clothed," (ei ge kai endusamenoi) "If indeed being clothed;" This mortal must put on immortality. Empty handed souls may stand before Jesus, but none shall stand naked, 1 Corinthians 15:53; Revelation 3:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.

2) "We shall not be found naked," (ou gumnoi eurethesometha) "We shall not be found to be naked;" or disembodied spirits, at the Advent of Christ, a condition from which one should shrink. For Christ shall give to every soul a body (celestial) and to each redeemed soul his own body, as it pleases him. All bodies are, like our Lord’s to be celestial, though differing in degrees of glory, 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Corinthians 15:37-38; 1 Corinthians 15:41-42.

1) "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan," (kai gar oi ontes en to skenei stenazomen) "For indeed, we, the ones being in the earthly (tent-like) dwelling do groan," Romans 8:23; 2 Corinthians 5:2; Job 23:1-3; Job 14:1-2; Romans 8:15.

2) "Being burdened," (Baroumenoi) "being in a burdened state or condition;" like a bird that has a broken pinion, a cripple with a cast upon a limb, held down or hobbled, Romans 7:24; Psalms 55:6.

3) "Not for that we would be unclothed" (eph’ ho ou thelomen ekdusasthai) "Inasmuch as we do not wish or strongly will to put off," or undress, be left without an earthly body.

4) "But clothed upon," (all’ ependusasthai) "but we do strongly will to put on," or be dressed up in, that spiritual body, free from want, toil, and pain, Ephesians 1:14; Ephesians 4:30.

5) "That mortality might be swallowed up of life," (hina katapothe to theneton hupo tes zoes) "in order that the mortal may be swallowed up by the life," the life-building of eternal life nature, from above. Paul yearned to have the old tent, clothed upon or covered over by the new, the spiritual body-garment, Philippians 3:20-21.

1) "Now he that hath wrought us " (ho de katergamenos hemas) "Now the one having wrought us; the one who wrought salvation and hope in us is God. He takes the initiative in salvation, by His word and spirit He seeks, finds, calls, and convicts the lost to repentance and faith, Proverbs 1:22-23; John 16:7-11; Romans 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 7:11-12.

2) "For the selfsame thing is God." (eis auto touto theos) "Regarding this selfsame thing (is) God;" God loved the lost (man and the universe) and so He gave and sent His Son, the Holy Spirit, His Word, and the church as instruments of salvation and redemption for all; John 3:16; John 16:7-13; John 20:1 to John 21:25.

3) "Who also hath given unto us," (ho dous hemin) "The (same) one who has given to us," doled out to us, Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:11-13; Romans 5:5.

4) "The earnest of the Spirit," (ton arrabona tou pneumatos) "The earnest (or surety) of the Spirit," the security seal, Divine stamp, imprint of the Spirit, in salvation and securing us to the resurrection of the body, Romans 8:11; Romans 8:14; Romans 8:16; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30.

1) "Therefore we are always confident " (tharountes oun pantaote) ”Therefore always being of good cheer," confident assurance, bold in preaching and witnessing in faith, Acts 4:29; Acts 4:31; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19; 1 John 5:14.

2) "Knowing that whilst we are at home in the body," (kai eidotes hoti endemountes en to somati) "and perceiving that being at home in the (earthly) body," in the temporary tent-dwelling-body, Job 14:1; Psalms 90:10; Psalms 90:12; James 4:14-15.

3) ’Me are absent from the Lord," (ekdemoumen apo tou kuriou) "we are away from home, from the (home of the) Lord." where He is today at the right hand of the Father, in heaven; Acts 2:33-34; Acts 7:55-56; Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1:20-21; John 14:2-3.

1) "For we walk by faith," (dia pisteos gar peripatoumen) "For trough faith we walk," perambulate, move around on earth, in this body, by means of faith, in contrast with sight, or appearance, 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:6.

2) "Not by sight " (ouk dia eidous) "not through clear perception;" Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:13; Hebrews 11:33. As Moses endured and was blessed by faith, seeing him "who is invisible," so may we be blessed by believing and walking by faith, 1 Peter 1:8; John 20:29; Romans 4:20.

1) "We are confident," (tharroumen) "we are of good cheer, confident," or bold in the faith, to live and to die in and with the faith, as Paul, 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

2) "I say, and willing rather," (de kai eudokoumen mallon) "Then, and think it rather good," proper or preferable, to give up this wrestling, running, soldiering clay body to be with the Lord to await in His fellowship in glory, the crowning time, 2 Timothy 4:8; Hebrews 11:6.

3) "To be absent from the body," (ekdemesai ek tou somatos) "to go away from home, this earthly home, out of the earthly body," to die, to depart this tent of clay, to be received by the Lord, in which experience there is gain, Philippians 1:20-21.

4) "And to be present with the Lord," (kai’ endemesai pros ton kurion) "and to come (or go) home to the Lord," to be with Him, where He is, Philippians 1:23; Psalms 16:11. For in His presence is "the fulness of joy - and pleasures forevermore."

1) "Wherefore we labour," (dio’ kai philotimoumetha) "Wherefore we are even ambitious," we make it our ambition, our goal, Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:11. We strive to have our labors accepted of Him, 2 John 1:8.

2) "Whether present or absent," (eite endemountes eite ekdemountes) "Whether being at home or being away from home (our earthly tent-like-home), this pile of clay, in it or away from it, Philippians 1:20-25.

3) "We may be accepted of him," (euarestoi auto einai) "to be well pleasing to him," whatever state of life we may exist in down here, we may not only be received by Him; as all believers having eternal life shall, but that we may please Him well, hear a "well done," for faithful, obedient service to Him, be rewarded richly, not for our honor, but for His, Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15; all the saved will reach heaven enter heaven, at last, John 10:27-29; John 6:37; but only the fruitbearing shall have an "abundant entrance," into the kingdom, in contrast to those who are saved "as if by fire," barely dragged out of the fires of hell, 2 Peter 1:4-11; 1 Corinthians 3:15.

1) "For we must all appear," (tous gar pantas hemas phanerothenai dei) "For (it) is necessary that all of us be manifested," are to appear, for review, for accounting; This appearance of the redeemed is to determine rewards and losses of rewards, not salvation, which is eternal, 1 Corinthians 3:14-15, Mark 4:22; Romans 2:16.

2) "Before the judgment seat of Christ," (emprosthen tou Bematos tou Christou) "Before the tribunal (judgment place) of Christ;" to be judged, not to determine salvation, but the loss or gain of rewards, based upon one’s life’s conduct morally, ethically, and’ spiritually, after salvation, 2 John 1:8; Revelation 22:11-12; Revelation 22:15; John 5:22.

THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

The image of Christ on the judgment seat is the same as that in Romans 16:10 (where, however, in the best MSS, it is "the seat of God"); and the expression is peculiar to these two passages, being taken from the tribunal of the Roman magistrate, as the most august representation of justice which the world then exhibited. "The Bema" was a lofty seat raised on an elevated platform, usually at the end of the Basilica, so that the figure of the judge must have been seen towering above the crowd which thronged the long nave of the building. So sacred and solemn did this seat and platform appear in the eyes, not only of the heathen, but of the Christian society of the Roman Empire, that when, two centuries later, the Basilica became the model of the Christian place of worship, the name of Bema (or tribunal) was transferred to the chair of the Bishop; and this chair occupied in the apse the place of the judgment seat of the praetor. In classical Greek the word Bema was applied not to the judgment seat, which did not exist in Grecian states, but to the stone pulpit of the orator. In the N.T. (with the exception of Acts 12:5) it is always used for a "judgment seat." The more unusual figure for the judgment is a "throne". Comp. Ma. 25:31, "He shall sit on the throne of His glory;" Revelation 20:11, "a great white throne;" Daniel 12:9, "His throne was like a fiery flame."

-Stanley

3) "That everyone may receive," (hina komisetai hekastos) "in order that each one may receive," the fruits of his labor by tribunal, judicial decree, rewards or loss of them, according to their works, deeds, Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:10-12; Ephesians 6:8.

4) "The things done in his body " (ta dia tou somatos) "The things through the body," the works done thru the body, whether of wood, hay, or stubble kind, or of gold, silver, and precious stone kind, 1 Corinthians 3:12-13.

5) "According to that he hath done," (pros ha epaksen) "according to what he practiced," in the body the habitual things of daily life are to be judged, 1 Corinthians 3:8.

6) "Whether it be good or bad." (eite agathon eite phaulon) "whether genuine good, (divinely sanctioned good) or whether foul things, worthless, unapproved;" Some shall receive rewards, others will be saved "as if by fire," 1 Corinthians 3:14-15.

1) "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord," (eidotes oun ton phobon tou kuriou) "Recognizing therefore the fear of the Lord," or what it is to fear the Lord as judge, to fall into the hand of His judgment, Hebrews 10:31.

2) "We persuade men " (anthropos peithomen) "we persuade men," we plea (with) men, to be in subjection to, in the active service of, and reconciled to God, 1 Peter 5:5; James 1:21; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 10:22-25.

3) "But we are made manifest unto God " (theo de pephanerometha) "and we have been made manifest to God," "open in what we have done, as common ministers of God," as surely as we shall be manifest to Him at the judgment. He now looks on, Psalms 11:4.

4) "And I trust also." (elpizo de kai) "and I hope also;" wish, or desire - that we are manifest for what we are, in sincerity of soul, servants of God, and of you all.

5) "Are made manifest in your conscience," (en tais suneidesesin humon pephanerosthai) "In your conscience (also) to have been made manifest," by acting with sobriety, earnestness, and sincerity of service, 2 Timothy 2:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:6-12.

1) "For we commend not ourselves again unto you," (ou palin heautous sunistanomen humin) "for ourselves we commend not again to you all," we are not repeating our vindication of our ministry, 2 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:1.

2) "But give you occasion," (alla amphimen diontes humin) "But (are) giving an occasion to you all," by the writing of this letter to help and guide them.

3) "To glory on our behalf," (kauchematos huper hemon) "of a (to) boast on behalf of us," in the Lord, our sincerity of purpose.

4) "That ye may have somewhat to answer them," (hina echete pros tous) "In order that you all may have or hold (it) with reference to the ones;" to be prepared to answer heretics and gainsayers is noble preparation from God, 1 Peter 3:15; Psalms 119:46; 2 Timothy 2:15.

5) "Which glory in appearance," (en prosopo (kauchomenous) "In appearance glorying," in outward appearance, in a show of glamour and clamor, James 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 10:7; 1 Peter 2:4; John 7:24.

6) "And not in heart," (kai me en kardia) "and not in heart" man looks on the outward appearance of the clamor and glamour of life but God looks on the heart, 1 Samuel 16:7.

1) "For whether we be beside ourselves," (eite gar ekrestemen) "For whether we are mad (beside ourselves) ", Festus later accused Paul of being mad, Acts 26:24. Some at Corinth may also have made such charges because of his disclosed visions and his speaking in tongues more than they all, 2 Corinthians 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 14:18.

2) "It is to God," (theo) "it is to or toward God," a similar charge was made against the Lord in His service to His Father, Mark 3:21. Service is to be done to the glory of God, without regards to what men may say, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

3) "Or whether we be sober," (eite sophrounothemen) or whether we be in our senses;" prudent, wise in methods of dealing with souls of men, as he was, catching them vvith guile, yet not depending on guile to help them, but the Word of God, 1 Corinthians 9:20; 2 Corinthians 12:16; Matthew 10:16.

4) "It is for your cause," (humin) "It is for you all," in the interest of you all. He sought their continuing welfare, even as the Lord, Romans 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:5.

RIGHT MOTIVE AND OBJECT OF THE MINISTRY

1) "For the love of Christ constraineth us;" (he gar agape tou Christou sunechei hemas) "For the love of Christ constrains us," keeps on impelling us, Ephesians 3:19; 1 John 3:1-2; John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8. He died for us, even while we were yet sinners. This love constantly impels, influences us for good, to or toward obedient service.

2) "Because we thus judge," (krinatas touto) "judging in this manner," as follows, we concluded, Acts 4:20; Jeremiah 20:9. We speak out our concluding conviction.

3) "That if one died for all," (hoti eis huper panton apethanen) "that (since) one on behalf of all men died," and Jesus did die for all men and every man, Hebrews 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:4-6; Romans 1:16.

4) "Then were all dead; " (ara hoi pantes apethanon) "Then they all died," or were dead; Ephesians 2:1-2; Ephesians 2:5; Romans 5:6. All were empty or void of spiritual life, unproductive and incapable of producing righteousness, Matthew 7:18.

1) "And that he died for all," (kai huper panton apethanen) "and he died on behalf of all," He died instead of all, for all, 1 Timothy 2:3-6.

2) "That they which live," (hina hoi zontes) "In order that the ones living (in him)," for the holy purpose that the saved, the born again, should seek the holy plane of living and service that their Lord pursued, Colossians 3:1-3.

3) "Should not henceforth live unto themselves." (meketi heautois zosin) "Should nevermore live to or toward themselves," selfishly, in greed, as egocentrics, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 6:33.

4) "But unto him which died for them," (alla to huper auton apothanonti) "But to the one who died on their behalf;" This is why after one is baptized he is said to be raised "to walk in the newness of life," Romans 6:4; Ephesians 5:15.

5) "And rose again." (kai egerthenti) "and is having been raised (again);" that men might walk in His light, no longer in darkness of past sins, John 8:12; 1 John 3:1-3.

1) "Wherefore henceforth." (hoste hemeis apo tou nun) "So (that) we from now on, henceforth, hereafter forever;" because of our conviction that we should not live unto ourselves, but unto Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:15.

2) "Know we no man after the flesh." (oudena oidamen kata sarka) "we (should) know no man after the order of flesh," in a sinful, selfish manner; we do not respect one man more than another, if he be rich or poor, a Jew or a Gentile, in contrast with Paul’s opponents at Corinth, 1 Timothy 5:21; Matthew 12:50.

3) "Yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh," (ei kai egnokamen kata sarka Christon) "Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh;" of the tribe of Judah, family of David, and of the city of Bethlehem, of Mary and Joseph, in fulfillment of prophecy; yet He is the Son of man, (heir) of humanity, of all races, not for one race only, Luke 10:10; John 3:17; Galatians 4:4-5.

4) "Yet now henceforth know we him no more," (alla nun ouketi ginoskomen) "Yet now (and hereafter) no more we know him," as existing in a deathly, earthly body, like he one time had, or merely as a Jew, but the Messiah of all who trust Him as Savior and obey Him as Lord, Romans 1:15-16.

1) "Therefore if any man be in Christ," (hoste ei tis en Christo) "So, if anyone is in Christ," Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, young or old, denoting a universality of the offer and acceptance of salvation, in Christ (a person) not in a form of ceremonies, Ephesians 2:10; John 15:5.

2) "He is a new creature," (kaine ktisis) "He is a new (kind of) creation;" has a new, divine nature. imparted in regeneration, or the new birth, John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 6:15.

3) "Old things are passed away," (ta archaia parelthen) "The old (archaic) things passed away;" such as ancient customs and rituals and ceremonies of the Law of Moses, and the old life of sin and its selfish follies, Colossians 2:14-17; Romans 12:1-2.

4) "Behold all things are become new " (idou gegonen Kaina) "Behold they have become, (come to be) new," refreshing, of fresh coloring, Hebrews 8:13; a new era of dating time sprang from the coming of Christ, a new moral and ethical code, a new philosophy of life, and a new Christian society came from the concept men could and should abide in, be created anew in Christ Jesus, not in or by Moses or by the Law. Philippians 3:7-9.

1) "And all things are of God," (ta de panta ek tou theou) "And all things are (now exist) of or from God," all these new things are of God, 2 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 1 John 4:10.

2) "Who hath reconciled us," (tou katallaksantos hemas) "The one who reconciled us," restored us, in God through Jesus Christ, Romans 5:10. The term "reconcile" means to reestablish friendly relations between two parties who are estranged no matter which party is offended, Matthew 5:24; 1 Samuel 29:4.

3) "By Jesus Christ," (heauto dia Christou) "to himself through Christ," the embodiment of Godliness in redemption and reconciliation, 1 Timothy 3:16.

4). "And hath given to us," (kai dontos hemin) "and hath doled out, meted out, or given into our trust," the trust of the church (institutionally) and each congregation and her members in particular, Ephesians 3:21; Mark 16:15.

5) "The ministry of reconciliation," (ten diakonian tes katallages) "The common ministry (deaconship) or fellowship of reconciliation;" Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 11:15; In the "cross-body" death of Christ the provision for reconciliation, of Jew & Gentile, and the whole world to God, was provided. Through the church body, which He too purchased with His own blood, the ministry, common labors of reconciliation, the story of reconciliation is told, Acts 20:28; Ephesians 3:8-10.

1) "To wit that God was in Christ," (hos hoti theos en Christou) "To witness (certify) that God was in Christ" manifest in the mystery of godliness, 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:3.

2) "Reconciling the world unto himself," kosmon katallasso heauto) "Reconciling (restoring) the world, created universe, to himself" Colossians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 5:15. Not only did Christ provide a basis for pardon and forgiveness of sin but He also provided restoration of a sinners favor or friendship with God, Ephesians 1:7; Romans 4:13.

3) "Not imputing their trespasses unto them," (me logizomenos autois ta paraptomata auton) "Not reckoning to them (fallen creatures of the universe) their trespasses," Galatians 3:16; Romans 3:24-25; Romans 4:5-8.

4) "And hath committed unto us," (kai themenos en hemin) "and putting, placing, or setting in us," committing to us, the church, Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:21.

5) "The word of reconciliation," (ton logon tes katallages) "the word (committed message) of reconciliation," Ephesians 3:8-11; Ephesians 3:21. The message by which reconciliation may be effected between God and lost men, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.

1) "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ," (huper Christou oun presbeuomen) "We are therefore ambassadors (presbyters), elders, on behalf of Christ," This "we" refers to the missionaries; Paul and his helpers, (as here used) in the restricted sense, messengers in the stead of Christ, John 20:21.

2) "As though God did beseech you by us." (hos tou theou parakalountes di’ hemon) "as though God were beseeching you all through us, " the presbyter-ambassadors, ordained messengers, in the stead of Christ, doing the leadership labors of an under-shepherd, 1 Peter 5:1-4.

3) "We pray you in Christ’s stead," (deometha huper Christou) "We beg you all, on behalf of Christ," as He would beg you if he were to seek rest for your soul and restoration to God’s favor, Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37.

4) "Be ye reconciled to God," (katallagete to theo) "Be ye reconciled (restored) to God," God’s favor from which they had drifted, in moral, ethical, and doctrinal disobedience, for which he had chided or reproved them. Isaiah 55:6-7; Revelation 22:17.

WE BESEECH YOU

A son once quarreled with and stole from his father, then fled to London, where he wasted his substance in sin. A detective discovered him in a haunt of vice - health and money gone. The father was notified, and hastened to the wretched abode. He climbed to the attic, and found his sick son in a broken, troubled sleep. He bent over him and was recognized. "My poor boy, I’ve -come for you; will you go home with me?" "Go home! yes, if you’ll forgive me, father." He lifted up the invalid, and took him home repentant and forgiven. So God says to you, "Poor son, daughter, come home, come home!" You have heard of the Highland mother whose daughter had long led a reckless life in Edinburgh, sunk in sin. Her eyes were opened. She returned home to the hut by the hillside, finding her way in the darkness. The daughter entered and found her old "mother" crooning over the ashes of the fire. The penitent was clasped in her mother’s arms. "I came home in the dead of night and found the cabin door unlocked!" "It’s never been locked since you went away, for I didna ken when you might come back." So God keeps the door of mercy ajar and waits to welcome you. Think of that Saxon word, well-come-that is, "It is well for you to come." To stay away is hell!

- T. L. Cuyler

1) "For he hath made him to be sin for us," (huper hemon hamartian epoiesen) "He made sin on behalf of us;" "God" is the "He" who made "him," Jesus sin "to be," on behalf of us, a representative for sin for us, Isaiah 53:6; Isaiah 53:9; Isaiah 53:12; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:5.

2) "Who knew no sin," (ton me gnonta hamartian) "The one not having known sin," either inherent that is inborn, or by defilement, John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15.

3) "That we might become," (hina hemeis genometha) "in order that we might become," be or exist as something besides guilty sinners, lost and doomed, John 1:11-12; Galatians 4:4-5.

4) "The righteousness of God in Him," (dikaiosune theou en auto) "(The) righteousness of God in him," the Christ. Jeremiah 23:5-6; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 3:19.