p. 2 | 3283.-Absent and Present

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 8, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 44.

3283.—Absent and Present

2 Cor. 5:8. How is it possible to be present with the Lord, and yet be absent from the body? From the context I do not think Paul refers to visions.

The context and related passages show that Paul is speaking of three different conditions in which man may be: (1) The terms our "earthly house," "in this tabernacle," "mortality," "at home in the body," "absent from the Lord," indicate man's mortal condition in this world; (2) The terms "dissolved," "unclothed," "naked," refer to the passing away of this condition, or death, a condition not desired by the apostle; (3) The terms "a building from God," "a house not made with hands," "clothed upon," "swallowed up of life," "present [at home] with the Lord," refer to the glorious immortal state when Jesus comes. 1 Thess. 4:17.