Meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:7

The assertion that "we live by faith, not by sight" in 2 Corinthians 5:7 encapsulates a fundamental principle of the Christian life, emphasizing a reliance on unseen realities and divine promises over tangible, observable evidence. This statement arises within the Apostle Paul's broader discourse on the new creation in Christ, the ministry of reconciliation, and the ultimate destiny of believers. Paul is contrasting the temporary nature of our earthly existence and the limitations of human perception with the enduring reality of God's presence and the eternal life He offers. This "living by faith" is not a blind leap into the unknown, but a confident trust in God's character and His revealed Word, even when circumstances or senses suggest otherwise.

Context and Background

This verse is situated in the second letter to the Corinthians, a deeply personal and polemical epistle where Paul defends his apostleship and ministry against opposition. In chapter 5, Paul transitions from discussing the "inner self" being renewed daily to the "outer self" which will eventually perish, leading to a longing for the heavenly dwelling place God has prepared. He speaks of being "always of good courage" and knowing that while we are "at home in the body we are away from the Lord," and conversely, that "while we are away from the body we are at home with the Lord." This transition to the unseen realm of God's presence is the backdrop against which the statement about living by faith, not by sight, is made. It signifies a shift in perspective from the temporal and visible to the eternal and invisible.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is the primacy of faith. Faith, in this context, is an active trust and conviction in God, His promises, and His unseen work, even in the absence of empirical proof. It stands in direct opposition to sight, which represents reliance on what can be perceived by the senses, the tangible, and the immediate. This implies a spiritual epistemology where truth is apprehended through divine revelation and inner conviction rather than solely through empirical observation. The verse also highlights the transitory nature of the visible world compared to the enduring reality of the spiritual realm. Our earthly existence, though real, is temporary, and our ultimate hope and sustenance are rooted in what God has promised and what He is doing behind the scenes.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in its call to cultivate a worldview centered on God. It challenges believers to move beyond superficial evaluations and to trust God's promises even when they seem improbable or when challenging circumstances contradict them. This application involves making decisions and living out one's life based on biblical principles and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than solely on personal feelings, immediate gratification, or the opinions of others. It requires intentional discipline to focus on the eternal purposes of God rather than the fleeting concerns of the present. This faith is the bedrock of perseverance, hope, and obedience in the Christian journey.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This principle is woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. From Abraham, who "looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10), to the prophets who spoke of future realities they did not see, the Bible consistently presents individuals and communities who acted on God's word despite the lack of visible confirmation. The entire history of Israel's redemption, from the Exodus to the exile and return, is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises, often requiring His people to trust Him when His actions were not immediately apparent or favorable. The New Testament further emphasizes this, with Jesus often commending faith in those who believed without seeing Him directly (John 20:29).

Analogies

One analogy is a ship sailing through fog. The captain and crew cannot see the destination or the clear path ahead, but they trust their charts, their instruments, and their knowledge of the sea. They navigate by faith in these unseen guides, knowing that the destination is real and attainable. Another analogy is that of a child trusting their parent. A child may not understand the complex reasons behind a parent's instructions or promises, but they trust in the parent's love and wisdom, acting on their word. Similarly, believers trust in God's perfect character and His unfailing promises, even when the immediate circumstances are unclear or difficult.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds resonance with numerous other biblical passages. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This directly echoes the sentiment of 2 Corinthians 5:7. Romans 8:24-25 states, "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." This highlights the patient endurance that comes from living by faith in future, unseen realities. John 20:29, where Jesus tells Thomas, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed," underscores the elevated value God places on faith that transcends sensory evidence. Furthermore, Galatians 2:20 declares, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me," illustrating the active, personal appropriation of this faith in daily living.