2 Corinthians 5v1-10
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened–not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. (ESV)
Consider the following:
- Our Future Glory (v1):
Paul uses a metaphor of tents to represent our bodies. Tents are places of dwelling as our bodies are places of dwelling for our souls. Paul explains that if our bodies are destroyed there is something better to take its place, something not made by human hands which lasts for a short time, but forever – made by God Himself. This better building has two distinguishing aspects of time and place, namely, it is eternal, and it is in the heavens (see John 17v3). Paul urges us to consider the future glory we have in Jesus Christ. This glory is of God and is eternal. - Our Fleshly Groaning (v2):
Paul shows these bodies are temporary and that we will receive more permanent housing from God. These temporary bodies are shadows of the real things. How do we groan in these bodies? We groan through both our suffering (through illness) and in anticipation of a future time without suffering. Paul introduces clothing as a second metaphor. He explains that this new building or clothing will be put over the old tent or clothing and in doing so, the new covers or “swallows” the old and in the very same way eternal life will be the new building or new clothing that “swallows” the tent or old clothing of mortality. This new clothing supersedes (instead of replacing) the old clothing, where the new clothing is more than adequate relative to the old and inadequate clothing (see Gen. 2v9, John 14v6, Rev. 22v1-2). - Our Faithful God (v5a):
God is preparing us for eternity by His hand alone (see Phil. 1v6). God enables us to endure hardships in these temporary bodies and is the One who will clothe us with transfigured resurrection bodies. What does this preparation entail? See Ephesians 4v11-13. There is a purpose and a progression in our preparation for eternity. The purpose is to “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” and the progression is:
1) being equipped for works of service,
2) so that the body of Christ may be built up,
3) until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God,
4) become mature, and
5) attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. - Our Full Guarantee (v5b):
What is a guarantee? It is a formal assurance that certain conditions will be fulfilled. In this case, all that are in Christ will be clothed with this ever-increasing glory of Jesus. The astounding part is that we have someone from heaven, who is dwelling in us, as an assurance, that what is still to come from heaven will come (see John 14v16). The Holy Spirit is this guarantee given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ. - Our Faithful Gallantry (vv6-8):
Gallantry is acts of chivalry and valour. It takes courage to endure hardships and trials. This life will always have hardships. Consider Paul who experienced great hardships! Paul had become acquainted with these. He had been imprisoned, flogged (5 times), beaten (3 times), stoned (once), shipwrecked (3 times), in danger of robbers, Jews, Gentiles, and false Christians. Trials refer to tests (1 Cor. 10v13). When we are tempted, God will always provide a way out. God is there with us and is also faithful in helping us being faithful to Him, if we rely on Him. - Our Faithful Goal (v9):
Our aim should be to please our Heavenly Father (see John 14v15, Genesis 6v6). God requires us to be obedient which could be thought of as God’s “love language”. Disobedience does not please God. Paul indicates in verse 9 that whether we are in our current temporal bodies or in our future transfigured bodies, our aim is to please God in whichever body we find ourselves. - Our Fair God (v10):
“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Heb. 9v27). There are two judgements: the Great White Throne judgement and judgement seat of Christ. The former refers to those who have not repented and didn’t confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour (see Rom. 10v23, Rom. 6v23, Isa. 64v6). The second is associated with rewards (v10, John 14v15, 1 Cor. 3v10-15). Finally, we must take note that God’s judgement is just, based on His attributes of being all-knowing (omniscient) and all-powerful (omnipotent).
We should long for a future reward while enduring present sufferings because God is just and will sustain us by His Holy Spirit. We must not be enamored with our temporary bodies, as our future resurrected bodies are waiting for us.