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Book of 2 Corinthians - Chapter 5 - Verse 14

5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

Meaning

In this verse, the apostle Paul explains the powerful impact of Christ's love on his life and the lives of other believers. The word "constraineth" indicates that the love of Christ compels or urges us to act in a certain way. Paul reflects on the fact that Christ died for all humanity, illustrating the depth of God's love for us. He goes on to emphasize that this act of sacrifice demonstrates that all people were spiritually dead before accepting Christ. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, believers are made alive in Him, experiencing a transformation from death to life. This verse serves as a reminder of the incredible love and grace that Christ has shown towards humanity, moving us to respond with faith and gratitude for the salvation offered through Him. As Christians, we are called to live in light of this truth, allowing the love of Christ to guide and motivate us in all that we do.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 2 Corinthians, the love of Christ is described as a compelling force that guides and motivates believers. The word "constraineth" in the original Greek carries the idea of being held together or controlled by something. It suggests that the love of Christ surrounds us and keeps us in check, influencing our choices and actions. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Christ's love, as it mentions His death for all. The verse goes on to explain that because Christ died for all, all are considered spiritually dead until they accept His gift of salvation. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the depth of Christ's love and the transformative power it has in the lives of believers.

American Standard Version

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died;
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