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.
2 Corinthians 5:1-3
Are you suitably aware that you are not destined for this world? You are only passing through this earth on your way to a perfect place, one designed especially for you. This “earthly tent” that Paul refers to is interesting to say the least. It is our “on–earth-house, this tent”. The New Living Translation above says this earthly body. But then Paul adds the word “tent” [σκηνους]. We first met this word or its family in Bible Gems 12 and 13. It is of the same root derivation as εσκηνωσεν [eskenosen] to dwell among us. It is the same word or group of words used in the context of the Feast of Tabernacles. It is the hut, or bivy or temporary dwelling that was set up in fields during the time of the feast. The whole point of it was the temporary nature of it. Like the old song said “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” No wonder our present troubles are small and temporary. Set in the context of eternity, this “moment” here on earth is but a breath, a fleeting puff of wind.
Paul when referring to our tent being taken down is of course referring to death. The word he uses is καταλύω [kataluō] to loosen down, disintegrate, demolish, destroy, dissolve, come to nought, overthrow.
The point when our bodies break down to dust again. We will not be saddled with this mortal tent for long. Another dwelling or house awaits us. The word is the same as the first use of house but the description is what is important – namely en eternal body, made by God Himself, not by human hands. It is eternal and of heaven, in contrast to this current body being of the on-earth-one. We long for that moment when we will not longer be clothed in our present “tent” but have a new body to wear. We will not be disembodied souls or spirits floating around, but will have a glorious heavenly body to “wear”.
This is the moment of the revelation of the inner man. The stripping away of the outer shell to reveal the inner core, the truth within. We are truly spirit beings awaiting our coming-out-party. And what a party it will be.
Since the curtain is torn from top to bottom, don’t dawdle in the courtyard of the temple, run for the altar.
John Piper
Are you living for HIM in a way that does justice to HIS dying for you?
Brian Houston