Living for eternity

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Paul, from the text, described the temporal nature of our bodies. He likened it to a tent for he himself was a tent-maker. That was how he supported his missionary work. He knew that no matter how you mend a tent, it will not return to its original form. He was very familiar to the wear and tear of a tent and how flawed it was. In the analogy he provided from the text, though our earthly tent meaning our physical body, is taken down there awaits those who are in Christ “an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” Everything that was built here on this side of eternity will not last, but there is a place that God prepares where everything will last forever. This reality and truth was sealed to us and guaranteed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within. Paul was going through tremendous suffering because of his faith but he was not losing heart for he knew what God will provide for him and those who believed in Christ. “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control” (Philippians 3:20-21). Our assured hope because of our eternal reality will help us gain the right perspective in life while here in this world. While waiting for that glorious day, we don’t lose hope or try to find an escape from our present struggles, instead we continue to live our lives focused on serving Him. “So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). We continue to live for Him empowered and comforted by His Spirit.

Blessings.

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com