Bible Questions and Answers
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John 14:2,3 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
This passage is often quoted at funerals as if the deceased will now be living in his "mansion" in heaven with the Lord. However, note that the word heaven is not mentioned in this passage. Also, if we are to be taken to heaven, why does Jesus come to earth? Why don't we just go to him? Jesus said, "I will come again.... that where I am there you may be also". Not "where I was". Where is Jesus when he gathers us to himself? On earth. Not heaven.
It is interesting that the phrase "house of God" and "My Father's House" [when God is the Father being referred to - see John 14:2 - only ever refers to the temple of God on earth. Jesus is referring to the dwelling of God among people which he goes to prepare. While he is away that edifice will be a spiritual one into which we as believers find our place and hope and home - the church. Once this spiritual edifice has been completed, he will return to establish it physically on the earth. See 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:14-22; Hebrews 3:6; 1 Peter 2:5.
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I hope you have found this helpful.
God bless,
Mike
