Eternal Dwelling
For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.
2 Corinthians 5:1 (CSB)
Glorification encompasses the transition into the eternal dwelling place known as heaven. The apostle Paul referenced this eternal dwelling in heaven when he wrote his second letter to the church in Corinth. Jesus stated that he had to ascend to heaven to prepare a place for believers. Both of these New Testament truths highlight the reality of the eternal dwelling that is connected to the concept of glorification within our understanding of salvation.
A Promised Place. Jesus promised that he would go to heaven to prepare a place for his followers. This was a statement of promise. He declared that he would not have said these words if they were not true or a promise. As children of God, we have the promise of an eternal dwelling because of the assurances given to us by the Lord, and this promise is guaranteed by the character and person of the Lord.
A Prepared Place. The eternal dwelling is not a random location; it is a prepared place. Each dwelling is designed with each believer in mind. The prepared place is not created by human hands but by divine hands. When we recognize that the prepared place is a promised place, we must understand that the eternal dwelling is a promised place specifically made with us in mind.
A Permanent Place. The place prepared and promised in heaven is permanent and eternal in nature. This place is not constructed by human hands and does not fade away like those on earth. It is built by divine hands that create with certainty. His creation does not diminish over time but is everlasting and assured. We rest in the truth that the promise placed, prepared by the Lord for us is a permanent place.
A Precious Place. The promised place is a precious place. It is precious because it is prepared by the Lord, but more importantly, it is precious because it is in the presence of the Lord. This place exists in the eternal dwelling place of the Lord and rests in the presence of His glory. Thus, the prepared place promised to believers is a permanent place that is precious because it is where we will experience the glory of God forever.
QUESTIONS
What are four key truths about the place in heaven for us?
How would you describe the significance of the prepared place for you in heaven?
