2 Corinthians 5:9

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Ver. 9. Wherefore we labour ] Our hope of heaven maketh us active and abundant in God’s service. The doctrine of assurance is not a doctrine of liberty, but the contrary, 1 John 3:3 . We make it our ambition, φιλοτιμουμεθα , saith the apostle here, to get acceptance in heaven, waiting till our Father shall call us home, and passing the time of our sojourning here in fear, 1 Peter 1:17 . The saints have their commoration upon earth, ενδημουντες , their conversation in heaven.