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2 Corinthians 5:2-5
The Apostle Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:2a (NKJV), “For in this we groan,” in reference to his comment in 2 Corinthians 5:1 of having an eternal house in the heavens when our earthly body is destroyed. The “groaning” is the desire to be rid of the corruptible earthly body/ “tent” and receive the heavenly incorruptible body (1 Corinthians 15:50-58).
In the transformation from the earthly life to the heavenly life, Paul compares to being clothed with the one but yet desiring to be clothed with the other. This is, if not being found to be “naked” (2 Corinthians 5:3) which is to be without the clothing of salvation found only in Christ Jesus, which would then leave one without the heavenly clothing and thus, “naked.”
Paul then reiterates in 2 Corinthians 5:4 that the groaning is not to be “unclothed” but to be further clothed by the eternal clothing of heaven which will then swallow up the mortality of the earthly/fleshly life. Paul then gives credit where credit is due – to God, “who has prepared us for this very thing…who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:5). The Bible teaches us in 2 Timothy 4:18, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”
This is a promise of a future heavenly body, and of the guarantee of the Spirit until then.
As we long for our entry into heaven and of a new body that will be incorruptible, we must also realize and understand that God has put each and every one of us here on this corruptible earth for a purpose. It is this purpose that each of us must seek of God for our lives in Christ. He has a purpose for us all, but we must submit to Him in obedience by giving up our will and seeking His will for our lives. Jesus declares in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” And in John 14:23 Jesus states, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Our earthly tent is temporary; it is our eternal destination that matters most.
Dear LORD,
Please reason with our minds and our hearts that we would not be found naked when we leave our earthly tent, but that we would open our hearts and minds to be filled with Your Holy Spirit being sealed for eternity – In Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.