491. 2CO 5:1. EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY DWELLINGS OF BELIEVERS

2Co_5:1. Earthly And Heavenly Dwellings Of Believers

"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."’972Co_5:1.

Considerable doubt has been expressed by critics as to the meaning of the apostle in this passage. Some have contended he evidently intended to teach, that at death, believers had prepared for them a kind of vehicle, or vestment, in which the so, should dwell, until the resurrection of their bodies at the last day. We feel better satisfied with the general exposition of the text, as referring to the heavenly dwelling, into which at death the saints have a glorious happy reception. Observe then,

I. The Christian’s present Dwelling.

II. Their Future Residence. And,

III. The Influence which a Knowledge of this should have upon them.

Observe.

I. The Christian’s present Residence.

This is the body, figuratively styled the "earthly house of this tabernacle."

1. It is a house.

The residence of the soul. The dwelling for the immortal spirit. It is a most wondrous and beautiful structure. Fearfully and wonderfully made. Of which God was the all-skilful artificer. It is wisely adapted for the lofty tenant which occupies it.

2. It is an earthly house.

Originally made of red earth. Of the earth, earthy, &c. Formed of that which is material, in contradistinction to the spiritual character of the soul. The body is earthly, as its supplies are from the earth. Its foundations are in the dust. And it is destined to return to the earth from whence it originally proceeded. "Dust thou art," &c.

3. It is a movable house or tabernacle.

Not a stable, fixed, abiding building. But calculated and adapted for removal from place to place. Like a shepherd’s tent, now pitched here and then elsewhere And as such it is destined to be taken down. At death it is unpinned. Then it is that it ceases to be the abode of its spiritual inhabitant. Now this taking down or dissolving of the tabernacle, is an event,

(1) Most certain. The living know that they must die. All, whether sinners or saints, &c. "I know that thou wilt bring me to death," &c. All the great and distinguished servants of God, who once dwelt on earth, and served God in their respective generations, have had their tabernacles dissolved. "The fathers, where are they," &c.

(2) It is an event most necessary. We must be dislodged from this earthly house, before we can inherit immortality and eternal life. "Flesh and blood cannot inherit," &c.

(3) It is an event demanding solemn thought and holy preparation. It is desirable that the tabernacle should be taken down in hope of a part in the first and blessed resurrection. But especially before the ejectment of the spirit, that we should have a clear and satisfactory prospect of a better residence in the heavenly state. This leads us to consider,

II. The Christian’s future Residence.

Now this residence is clearly that of God’s glorious kingdom and presence above. The saint’s future residence,

1. Is a building.

As such it, is likened to a glorious city. The new Jerusalem. The heavenly temple. This is the place spoken of by Jesus, "My Father’s house." Palace of God. Imperial residence of Deity. As such it will be worthy of his greatness, and majesty, and glory. As such it will be capacious,’97resplendently beautiful, sublimely magnificent.

2. Building of God.

His own residence. Full of his glory. Building which God has designed to be the residence of holy beings.

3. Not made with hands.

Not formed as God made the human body.

4 A celestial building.

In the heavens. Not having its foundations on this mutable decaying earth. But in the highest and most glorious part of God’s universe. The highest heavens. Heaven of heavens.

5. An eternal building.

The body is fragile, dying; will be consigned to the earth. But the heavenly building, like its founder and maker, is "eternal." Unaffected by change. Eternity is engraven upon the walls of that building. Its foundations are immoveable Death is unknown. Immortality is the atmosphere of heaven. The tree of paradise is the tree of life, endless life. The river which flows from before the throne, is the river of life. Heaven in its enjoyments is "eternal life." Let us notice,

III. The Influence which a Knowledge of this should produce.

The apostle expresses one knowledge which believers have of this "We know," &c. From God’s own infallible record from the inviolable promises of his word, they know with blessed and certain assurance, the certainly of that glorious state of felicity, which he has in reversion for all his saints.

1. This knowledge should wean the mind from love of the world.

They should consider themselves but strangers and pilgrims here, &c. Knowing that time is short, we should buy and sell, and weep and rejoice, &c. as remembering that the fashion of this world passeth away.

2. We should habitually live in a state of preparedness for death.

Our bodies are journeying to the grave. These tabernacles must be dissolved. Then let us wisely consider this, and live as those who know that they must die. "Be ye therefore ready," &c. The event is certain’97the time unknown.

3. We should cherish joyful hope as to the future.

The Christian has a good hope. His best state is future. He is an heir of glory. He has a house on high,’97a building in glory. His body too shall be raised again; raised in beauty,’97in health,’97in vigor,’97in immortality. O blessed hope O rapturous prospect! Meditate and cherish those feelings this subject is calculated to inspire.

We would remind the ungodly of that fearful state to which their sins and impurity of nature are evidently exposing them When their earthly tabernacle is dissolved, there will be no habitation to receive them but the dark, hopeless regions of death, the prison of hell, and everlasting weeping and gnashing of teeth. O fear, tremble, repent and seek mercy.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS