IF THE EARTHLY TENT / 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1

(KJV) 2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Paul uses the conditional clause, “if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed,” because he knows that Christ could return soon. In this case, he would not experience death. Rather, his body would be immediately transformed in going to be with Christ. The same possibility (either death or transformation) exists for Christ’s faithful followers today. Jesus has stated that we do not know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 24:36, 42, 44); therefore, we must always be prepared. That fact should serve as a powerful motivation for holy living, characterized by moral and spiritual purity, separation from evil and complete devotion to God (Matthew 24:42; 1 John 3:2-3).

1. The term “earthly tent” refers either to our earthly body or our earthly lives, which are temporary and frail.
2. The “building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” likely refers to the general environment of the heavenly existence that will endure forever. It could also refer to a body prepared for believers in heaven while they await their resurrection body.

Some have used this passage to teach that after death and while awaiting resurrection, believers exist as bodiless spirits, vague shadows or naked souls without form. However, note that both Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration appeared with visible heavenly bodies, even though they were awaiting their resurrection bodies (Matthew 17:2-3; Mark 9:2-4). In addition, in Revelation 6:9-11 souls in heaven (among whom are those killed for their faith during the tribulation period who are awaiting God’s final judgment on the wicked) are described as visible and wearing white robes.

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1. NOT TO RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE IN VAIN / 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1
2. MADE HIM WHO HAD NO SIN TO BE SIN – WE MIGHT BECOME THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD / 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21
3. CHRIST’S AMBASSADORS / 2 CORINTHIANS 5:20
4. RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF / 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-19
5. SATAN HIMSELF MASQUERADES AS AN ANGEL OF LIGHT / 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14
6. GOD OF THIS AGE BLINDED THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:4
7. GIVEN OVER TO DEATH / 2 CORINTHIANS 4:11-12
8. WEAPONS WE FIGHT WITH 2 CORINTHIANS 10:4
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Summary

Article Name

IF THE EARTHLY TENT / 2 CORINTHIANS 5:1

Description

Paul uses the conditional clause, "if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed," because he knows that Christ could return soon.

Author

Margarita Crews

Publisher Name

Guided By Grace

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