¹⁴ For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

^18 (A)as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Our Heavenly Dwelling

5 For we know that if ^(B)the tent that is ^(C)our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, ^(D)a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For in this tent ^(E)we groan, longing to ^(F)put on our heavenly dwelling, ³ if indeed by putting it on^[a] we may not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal ^(G)may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, ^(H)who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.^[b]

⁶ So we are always of good courage. We know that ^(I)while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, ⁷ for ^(J)we walk by faith, not ^(K)by sight.

¹⁴ For ^(A)here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

¹⁶ But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed ^(A)to be called their God, for ^(B)he has prepared for them a city.

^23 (A)I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is ^(B)to depart and ^(C)be with Christ, for that is far better.

²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have ^(A)the firstfruits of the Spirit, ^(B)groan inwardly as ^(C)we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, ^(D)the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For ^(E)in this hope we were saved. Now ^(F)hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we ^(G)wait for it with patience.