“For we that are in this tabernacle [earthly body] do groan, being burdened [oppressed by the evil influence of the world]: not for that we would be unclothed [lose our imperfect human bodies in death], but clothed upon [be clothed with our heavenly dwelling], that mortality might be swallowed up of [by] life [immortality]. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God [God has made us for this very purpose], who also hath given us the earnest of the Spirit [the holy Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come]. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body [content with ourselves], we are absent from the Lord [not living near to him, not “walking with God” as we should]: For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident [are full of faith toward God], I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body [not carnally minded] and to be present with the Lord [spiritually minded]. Wherefore we labor [so we make it our goal], that whether present [in the present when we are away from home (in heaven)] or absent [when we reach our home in heaven], we may be accepted of him [always be pleasing to him]. For we must all [those who have the holy Spirit] appear before the judgment seat of Christ [those who are on trial now for their place in heaven]; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done [glory and honor in heaven is dependent upon how one’s life was lived on earth], whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:4-10 with added parenthetical paraphrases.)
These scriptures clearly indicate that the Apostle Paul is talking to a special group (true Christians) who have received the holy Spirit and have given up their own human wills in order to follow after Jesus and do God’s will in every aspect of their lives. What did Paul mean when he said “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”? When we read the entire context above, we see that Paul had an earnest desire to be spiritually minded, not carnally minded so that he would be walking in the presence of the Lord. He also longed to be absent from his sinful mind and body so that he would be able to inherit the promised immortality and be present with the Lord in his kingdom in heaven.
What happens when we die? We believe that in order to go to heaven a person must be seeking the Lord and righteousness, believe that Jesus was the Messiah who died for the sins of the entire human race and be willing to sacrifice his will in order to do the will of God. If that person remains faithful to his covenant of sacrifice, he will obtain a heavenly reward upon death.
We know from the scriptures that there is only one call during the Gospel Age, and that is the high calling to be part of the bride of Christ. This very special call is mentioned many times in the New Testament letters. In fact, most letters open with greetings to the saints. (See Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1, 1 Peter 1:1-2, 2 Peter 1:1-4, and Jude 1:1.) “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) The loftiness of the call requires total submission to the will of God and sacrifice of self-will in every matter of life.
The good news is that salvation is all-inclusive. There is also an earthly salvation. The subject of the two parts of salvation is basic and crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. When Jesus died, he paid the price once for all. God has a place for everyone in either his heavenly or earthly kingdoms and Jesus’ sacrifice included all of humankind, regardless of when a person lived or whether he has accepted Jesus as his Savior now or not. “This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given at its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:3-6) “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) These scriptures tell us that Jesus came to provide a ransom for Adam and all his progeny: some now, who are following Jesus and sacrificing their wills, and some later. Those who are sacrificing now have been called by God and look forward to a heavenly reward mentioned in John 13:33-36; 14:1-4; and 17:24. Although there is definitely a heavenly destination, it is only for a very select few who, if faithful, will have a change of nature from human to spiritual (Romans 6:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2; Revelation 3:20-21).
Additional Resource: Christian Questions Podcast: Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part I)
