2 Corinthians 13:5
What is written? (ESV)
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
What does it say?
Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourself. You should know that Jesus Christ is in you unless of course, you fail to meet the test!
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s closing and final instructions to the Christians at Corinth. He is sternly warning those practicing sin to repent. Specifically, he is concerned he will find on his return those still engaging in jealousy, gossip, impurity, and sexual immorality among other things (12:20-21).
How 2 Corinthians 13:5 is applied across Bible answers
Is God’s grace irresistible?
Paul references the conditions by which Christ (e.g. Holy Spirit) lives in them - they must test themselves to make sure they are still "in the faith."
Where is Jesus today?
Paul applies a standard of Jesus Christ being "in" someone to their examination and determination to see if they are still "in the faith". He wants to test their behavior to see if it aligns with how Jesus would behave.
In this, Paul's closing challenge to the Corinthians, he has just written about some of them wanting proof that "Christ is speaking in me" (vs 3). Paul is not saying that Jesus is literally doing his speaking. Rather, Paul's words are consistent with the teaching of Jesus....in the same way, he later tells them (vs 5) to examine their behavior to see if aligns with how Jesus would behave.
