The Grands Letter (2 Cor/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on March 13, 2022 7:20 am (CST)Dear Grands,
2 Corinthians 5:1-4, “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.
2 For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,
3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked.
4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.”
Someone once defined a “parable” as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Here Paul is speaking in parabolic fashion when he uses the words “earthly tent.” Immediately then, he speaks of a “house (tent) not made with hands,” but a covering that is “eternal in the heavens.” When life gets really tough, it is then normal for us to think toward heavenly things.
Most of us know what it means to groan under burdens we don’t want to bear. “Awe, Mom… I don’t want to do that now!” Paul’s thoughts, however, are a bit more serious. He notes for us the difference between life on Earth and life in Heaven.
When Paul speaks of “clothed” and “unclothed,” he’s referencing the desire to be free (clothed) from the burdens of earthly life. I dare say that speaks for all of us; still, there is a considerable difference between earthly life and heavenly life. For one thing, we had no choice about being born into this earthly life. But, we do have a choice regarding Heaven. We simply must be born again –not physically, but spiritually!
And this spiritual birth is available to everyone, who by faith trusts in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior. Just ask Him to forgive your sins and take control of your life. You’ll find out what it is to be clothed in His righteousness! God bless you! You are in my prayers.
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
