2 Corinthians 5:4; Mortality Might Be Swallowed Up of Life

Posted on Posted in Devotions Tagged with , ,

2 Corinthians 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

When a believer dies, his soul returns to heaven with God and his body is buried and consigned to the ground. This is called the Intermediate State. When Jesus returns, He will fashion a new body for that soul.

As such, Paul is groaning because he is burdened with the apprehension of an impending rift between body and soul at the time of death…Paul desires to be covered with a resurrected body and the future glory that God already has prepared for him…Purposely Paul alludes to his discourse on the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:53–54), for transformation entails the clothing of the perishable with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality.¹ 

1 Corinthians 15:53-54 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair
When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,
 And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
Chorus
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll, is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there
2 On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
3 Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there
[Lyrics: James M. Black]
Indeed, Christ receiving His church to glory is a much anticipated time for the church, our blessed hope. We look forward to the Lord bringing us to our heavenly home with our glorified body. What a glorious future prospect for His people suffering physical ailments. Be encouraged, my dear friends, the time is soon coming. Amen.

¹Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Vol. 19, p. 174). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.