Today’s reading:
2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:1
“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (v. 5:1)
A building is described as a substantial structure for giving shelter, for instance, a house. We all are used to living in and seeing buildings constructed with various materials and based on different designs. We generally call them houses. However, not many are conversant with the bodies of human beings being called “buildings”. Apostles Paul and Peter both referred to their bodies as tents (2Cor. 5:1; 2 Pet.1:13), and also as buildings and houses. Essentially, they were referring to the space or abode of their souls and spirits.
Two distinct buildings are known to mankind. These are: the “Earthly” and the “Heavenly” buildings. The “Earthly” building of man was created at the beginning by God, in his image and likeness. It was created from dust and the breath of God was put into him (Gen 1:27, 2:7), and so he became a living being. Apostle Paul described this earthly building, which everyone on earth, past, present and future, owns, as corruptible, temporary and mortal (1 Cor 15:50,53). They are made of flesh and blood in the dust cast. On the other hand, the “Heavenly” building is a building from God, but which will reside in the heavens, at later days (2Cor. 5:1). It is not made with hand and it is permanent in heaven. This building is only obtainable at a later day as explained by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52. He said that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet, the dead will be raised and all shall be “changed”. This building is incorruptible and immortal, that is, will never die or decay (1 Cor 15:53). It is interesting to know that it is the earthly building that will be “changed” to heavenly building, at the blowing of the trumpet, when Jesus will appear with the angels and host of heaven on the cloud in the sky. (1 Thes.4:16-17). However, while still in the earthly building, it is subjected to such fates as: death (Gen 3:19b), followed by earth to earth, dust to dust (Eph.3:20); diseases and sicknesses; hunger and thirst; amputation; all sorts of destructions; etc. and if the trumpet has not been blown and death comes, it is committed to the earth in burial, or could be lost in the sea or consumed by fire; etc.
For the “Heavenly” building from God, its fate is secured with God in the heavens. It is eternal, will not die, but live for ever with Christ Jesus in God’s kingdom. It is not affected by any form of corruption or destruction. It is immortal. There is a great consolation in Today’s reading in v5:1, where we are assured that if our earthly building or tent is destroyed, we have a building from God, a heavenly building, which has all the above features. It is instructive to know that there is a qualification for acquisition of this eternal building from God. For instance, not everyone will be “changed” (when the trumpet sounds) to the heavenly building. The qualification is simple – acceptance of the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who came down to earth to fulfil the reconciliation of man back to God after the fall in Gen. 3. Once you accept the sacrifice and ask to be forgiven the adamic and other sins committed against God, and confession is made that Jesus is your Lord and Saviour, then you are born again and become a child of God. The Holy Spirit comes to live in you to lead, guide, instruct and help you to live your life for Christ. As you grow in the Spirit and live a Christ-like life, you will be counted among those who will be changed when the trumpet shall sound and your earthly building will be transformed into a heavenly building from God. It is worth looking forward to, by doing the needful.
To surrender your life to Jesus, say this prayer aloud - "Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord,”. Congratulations!!! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the pastor or priest.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Our heavenly Father, we thank you for being the giver of all good things, especially the eternal building promised to us as believers.
Precious Saviour, we appreciate your sacrifice and gift of salvation.
Lord, we thank you for preparing us for our heavenly bodies.
Lord, teach the church to encourage the saints to do all it takes to prepare to be changed when the trumpet shall sound in the sky at Jesus’ second coming.
Father, please bring revival to our nation, so that everyone becomes desirous to be saved and, therefore, ready to be changed to their heavenly buildings.
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