OUR HOUSE FROM HEAVEN

"For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven; inasmuch as we, having put it on, shall not be found naked. For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:1-8).

Devotion 3 of 12

CLEARING UP JOHN 14:2

One of our Lord's greatest and most well known expressions was uttered on the eve of His betrayal. As the Savior focused on laying down His life "a ransom for all" (1 Tim 2:6), His heart turned to His disciples, as He "loved them to the end" (John 13:1). He told them He was going away, and the world would see Him "no more" (John 14:19). When their hearts grew heavy at the prospect of their Master leaving, Jesus informed them their future was knit with His. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you . . . " (John 14:2). There was a place for them with the Father and the Son--blessed contemplation!

The phrase "My Father's house" is not meant to merely denote a location, or residence. I have heard a lot of thoughtless remarks about this text. Some have said Jesus has been building our mansions for 2,000 years. Imagine what they must be! I can appreciate the spirit of the statement, but it has no relation with reality. Those who speak in this manner forget that "the works were finished from the foundation of the world" (Heb 4:3). When it comes to salvation in all of its preparatory aspects, it is "according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Tim 1:9). No facet of salvation is in the state of preparation or construction. The current "work" is being performed on the participants of salvation, not the salvation itself.

The word employed in the phrase "my Father's house" ("house") reflects Divine objective--it is a place to be occupied. The "Father's house" is a residence, but it is more than a mere place. It is intended to be filled with occupants, and it is not complete until this takes place. The emphasis in our Lord's statement is not the Father's house itself, but its appointed occupancy by the redeemed. Jesus returned to the "house" to ensure that these tenants would be welcome.

What are these "mansions?"

The word "mansions" (KJV) is more precise than "rooms," as used by the NIV. Other translations use "abodes," "abiding places," and "dwelling places." The word "mansions" (KJV) comes from a word which means, a staying, i.e., residence . . . abode, mansion. A twofold emphasis is seen in this word. First, it is something to be occupied. Second, it is commodious, or abundantly adequate--a place of rest and refreshment. Not only are these "mansions" adapted to the heavenly environment, they also make those inhabiting them thoroughly compatible with the eternal realm.

What are these "mansions," or "dwelling places?" They are nothing less than our resurrection
bodies, to be occupied when the Lord returns. There is no need to stumble at this. The matter is further delineated by the Spirit with remarkable specificity. Individually speaking, this is the "house not made with hands," of our text, 2 Corinthians 5:1. There are "many" of them because Jesus is the "Firstborn among MANY brethren" (Rom 8:29; 5:15,16,19). When compared with our "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," our present bodies are but a frail "tent," or "tabernacle."

One further observation: Jesus did not say He went to prepare a mansion for us, but a "place." Stated briefly, Christ's presence at the right of God (as the Lamb slain--Rev 5:6,12) is what prepares heaven to receive us--or, as Jesus said, "That where I am, there you may be also." This is not a construction project, but one of sanctification. It is referred to elsewhere as "the heavenly things themselves" being purified with "better sacrifices" than those offered under the law. As the firstfruits of the harvest, Christ's presence prepares heaven and the things of heaven to receive the "many brethren" that are to follow.

PRAYER POINT: Father, what a blessed contemplation, that provision has been made in Jesus for the redeemed to have a new body. The anticipation of fitting into Your presence in every way is refreshing to my soul.

-- TOMORROW: 100 THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION --