New Creation: A Study in 2 CorinthiansNäide

What does it say?

Paul knew that leaving his earthly body would mean standing in the presence of the Lord. Whether in the body or away from it, his goal was to please the Lord.

What does it mean?

Paul was a tentmaker by trade. He saw similarities between tents and his own body: imperfect, deteriorating, and temporary, but the new body in Heaven will never decay or show signs of weakness. As he traveled, Paul faced more than his share of life and death-situations, yet he didn’t fear death itself. He had full confidence that, for him, dying was a doorway to his heavenly home and glorified body. He not only lived for the eternal but also looked forward to it.

How should I respond?

You don’t have to be very old to feel the effects of aging and the terminal nature of the human body. You, or someone you love, may face physical pain or challenges on a daily basis. Take comfort in knowing that this body is only a temporary dwelling. Does the thought of what happens after death distress or assure you? For the Christian, there’s no need to fear dying. Do you, like Paul, have confidence that you’ll be in God’s presence a moment after death? If so, you, too, can look forward to trading in every ache and pain you experience to have a body like Jesus … for eternity!