2 Corinthians 5:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

For we know that if our earthly “house” [i.e., our physical body] which is like a tent, is torn down, we have [the promise of] a building from God, a never ending “house” in heaven that is not made by human hands.

Cross References

Mark 14:58

“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this Temple, which was constructed by hand, and in three days I will build another one, not made by hand.’”

Acts 7:48

However, the Highest [i.e., God] does not live in a house made by human beings, as the prophet said [Isaiah 66:1ff],

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are all fellow-workers in God’s service; you people are God’s farm land; [you are] God’s building.

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure [i.e., the Gospel message] in clay pots [i.e., the mortal bodies of the apostles] to show that the [i.e., its] extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 5:4

For indeed, we who are in this “tent” groan under its burden, not [wanting] to be uncovered, but to be covered over. Then our mortal body will be swallowed up [i.e., replaced] by [never ending] life.

Colossians 2:11

In [fellowship with] Him you people were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human beings, but performed by Christ, consisting of the removal of the body of [sinful] flesh.

2 Timothy 1:12

For I am suffering these things [See verse 8] for this reason [i.e., because of being a Gospel preacher]. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed in [i.e., Jesus], and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e., Paul’s spiritual well-being] until that day [i.e., the Day of Judgment].

Hebrews 11:10

For he was looking forward to [living in] a city with [lasting] foundations, designed and built by God. [Note: This undoubtedly refers to heaven].

Hebrews 9:11

But when Christ became the Head Priest of the good things that have come, He entered the greater and more complete Tabernacle, not made by hand, that is, not part of this creation [i.e., heaven, See 8:2].

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ did not enter the Holy of Holies made by hand, which is [only] a counterpart of the true one, but into heaven itself, where He now appears in God’s presence for us. [See verse 12].

1 Peter 1:4

Through Him we have an inheritance that cannot be corrupted or contaminated, and will never disappear; it is reserved in heaven for you.

2 Peter 3:11

Since all these things are [certain] to be destroyed, what kind of persons should you be, [if not like those] living holy lives, and in a godly manner,

1 John 3:14

[For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead.

1 John 3:19

And this is how we will know that we are following [God’s] truth, and will have assurance [of it] in our hearts and before God [as well].

1 John 3:2

Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!