Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 5:5, The Spirit

5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

In the previous verses of chapter 5, Paul speaks of three states: the present condition in the tent-like frame, the intermediate state of nakedness, which he does not find desirable, and the future condition in which a further frame will have been put on. His point is that he longs to bypass the “naked” condition and be swallowed up by real life in his resurrection body. And if anyone doubts these stages of our sanctification that moves to glorification, then look to the Spirit who guarantees it. Throughout the New Testament writings, the Spirit brings us to faith and holds us in our faith, connecting us to Jesus.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the privilege is ours to be called to share in the loving, healing, and reconciling mission of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord in this age and wherever we are. Since without you we can do no good thing,

may your Spirit make us wise;

may your Spirit guide us;

may your Spirit renew us;

may your Spirit strengthen us

so that we will be

strong in faith;

discerning in proclamation;

courageous in witness;

persistent in good deeds.

This we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Anglican Church of the West Indies