InstaStudy

Preparing for Our Heavenly Dwelling: Understanding Our Earthly Tabernacle

An exploration of the temporary nature of our earthly existence and the divine revelation concerning our mortality, emphasizing the necessary spiritual preparation and the glorious hope awaiting believers.

1. The Temporary Nature of Our Earthly Dwelling

1.1 The Body as a Tabernacle

Verses: 2 Peter 1:13-14; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Hebrews 11:13
  • Our physical bodies are temporary, like tents, not permanent structures.
  • This earthly dwelling is a temporary vessel for our spirit.
  • We are pilgrims and strangers on earth, passing through.

1.2 The Frailty of the Flesh

Verses: Psalm 103:14-16; Isaiah 40:6-8; James 4:14
  • Our physical existence is fragile and subject to decay.
  • Life is brief and uncertain, like a vapor.
  • Understanding our frailty encourages spiritual focus.

1.3 The Spirit's True Home

Verses: Ecclesiastes 12:7; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21-23
  • Our spirit returns to God who gave it.
  • To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
  • Our ultimate citizenship and home are in heaven.

2. Divine Revelation of Our Mortality

2.1 God's Foreknowledge and Plan

Verses: Psalm 139:16; Job 14:5; Hebrews 9:27
  • Our days are numbered and appointed by God.
  • God knows the end from the beginning concerning our lives.
  • It is appointed unto men once to die.

2.2 Jesus Christ, the Revealer of Truth

Verses: 2 Peter 1:14; John 14:6; John 1:18
  • Jesus Christ reveals the truth about life, death, and eternity.
  • He is the way, the truth, and the life.
  • Through Him, we gain understanding of our temporal existence.

2.3 The Holy Spirit's Witness

Verses: John 16:13; Romans 8:16; 1 John 2:27
  • The Spirit guides us into all truth, including the reality of our mortality.
  • The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
  • The anointing teaches us all things.

3. Preparation for Transition

3.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Repentance from sin is the foundational step for salvation.
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is essential for the remission of sins.
  • This act identifies us with His death, burial, and resurrection.

3.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe.
  • Receiving the Spirit empowers us for holy living and witness.
  • Speaking in other tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit.

3.3 Living a Holy and Godly Life

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • We are called to be holy as God is holy.
  • Holiness is necessary to see the Lord.
  • We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.

3.4 Faithfulness to the End

Verses: Revelation 2:10; Matthew 24:13; 2 Timothy 4:7-8
  • We must remain steadfast and faithful until our earthly journey concludes.
  • Enduring to the end is crucial for salvation.
  • A crown of righteousness awaits those who have fought the good fight.

4. The Hope Beyond the Tabernacle

4.1 A Building Not Made With Hands

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1; John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:2-3
  • God has prepared an eternal dwelling for believers.
  • There are mansions in the Father's house.
  • We anticipate a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city.

4.2 The Resurrection of the Body

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
  • Our mortal bodies will be raised incorruptible and glorious.
  • Jesus Christ will transform our vile body into a glorious body.
  • Believers will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air.

4.3 Eternal Life with the One God

Verses: John 17:3; Revelation 21:4; Revelation 22:3-5
  • This is life eternal, that they might know the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.
  • There will be no more death, sorrow, or pain in His presence.
  • We will reign with Him forever and ever.