¶ We know surely if our earthy mansion wherein we now dwell were destroyed, that we have a building ordained of God, an habitation not made with hands, but eternal in heaven: And herefore sigh we, desiring to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: if it happen that we be found clothed, and not naked. For as long as we are in this tabernacle, we sigh and are grieved: for we would not be unclothed: but would be clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. He that hath ordained us for this thing, is God: which very same hath given unto us the earnest of the spirit.
¶ We are alway of good cheer, and know well that as long as we are at home in the body we are absent from God. For we walk in faith and see not. Nevertheless we are of good comfort, and had lever to be absent from the body and to be present with God. Wherefore we endeavor ourselves, wether we be at home or from home, to please God. For we must all be brought before the judgement seat of Christ that every man may receive the works of his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad? Seeing then that we know how the Lord is to be feared, we fare fair with men. For we are known well enough unto God. I trust also that we are known in your consciences.
¶ We praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to rejoice of us, that ye may have somewhat against them, which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be too fervent, to God are we to fervent: if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, if one be dead for all, that then are all dead, and that he died for all, because that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves: but unto him which died for them and rose again.
¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh. Insomuch that though we have known Christ after the flesh, now henceforth know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. Nevertheless all things are of God, which hath reconciled us unto himself by Iesus Christ, and hath given unto us the office to preach the atonement. For God was in Christ, and made agreement between the world and him self, and imputed not their sins unto them: and hath committed to us the preaching of the atonement.
¶ Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ: even as though God did beseech you thorow us: So pray we you in Christe's stead, that ye be at one with God: for he hath made him to be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness which before God is allowed.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526