Living by Faith

5 We are convinced that even if these bodies we live in are folded up at death like tents, we will still have a God-built home that no human hands have built, which will last forever in the heavenly realm. ² We inwardly sigh^[a] as we live in these physical “tents,” longing to put on a new body for our life in heaven, ³ in the belief that once we put on our new “clothing” we won’t find ourselves “naked.” ⁴ So, while living in this “tent,” we groan under its burden, not because we want to die but because we want these new bodies. We crave for all that is mortal to be swallowed up by eternal life. ⁵ And this is no empty hope, for God himself is the one who has prepared us for this wonderful destiny. And to confirm this promise, he has given us the Holy Spirit, like an engagement ring, as a guarantee.^[b]

⁶ That’s why we’re always full of courage. Even while we’re at home in the body, we’re homesick to be with the Master— ⁷ for we live by faith, not by what we see with our eyes. ⁸ We live with a joyful confidence, yet at the same time we take delight in the thought of leaving our bodies behind to be at home with the Lord.

³⁹ One of the criminals hanging on the cross next to Jesus kept ridiculing him, saying, “What kind of Messiah are you? Save yourself and save us from this death!”

⁴⁰ The criminal hanging on the other cross rebuked the man, saying, “Don’t you fear God? You’re about to die! ⁴¹ We deserve to be condemned. We’re just being repaid for what we’ve done. But this man—he’s done nothing wrong!”

⁴² Then he said, “I beg of you, Jesus, show me grace and take me with you into your everlasting kingdom!”

⁴³ Jesus responded, “I promise you—this very day you will enter paradise with me.”

⁵¹ I speak to you this eternal truth: whoever cherishes my words and keeps them will never experience death.”