by Ester yusufu | 15 August 2024 08:46 am08
Just before Jesus left this world, He shared these comforting and profound words with His disciples:
John 14:1-3
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Here, Jesus gives a glimpse into the eternal inheritance prepared for those who believe in Him. The term “mansions” (Greek: monai) literally means “dwelling places” or “abodes.” He assures us there’s not just one space—but many. This reflects the abundant and inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. Heaven is not limited; it has room for all who come to Christ.
Jesus is not only preparing a place but also preparing us for that place (see Philippians 1:6). Theologians often link this preparation with both Christ’s work on the Cross and the ongoing sanctification of believers by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible clearly outlines three types of “homes” or dwelling places that God has prepared for His people. These help us understand God’s plan for salvation—from now, to the resurrection, and into eternity.
After Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers. This is the first form of “dwelling” God established under the New Covenant—a spiritual home.
Acts 2:1-4
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind…
Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire…
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…
This marks the beginning of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (see also Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19). It is through the Holy Spirit that God makes His home in us. This transforms our lives, giving us new identity, peace, wisdom, and power for godly living.
Romans 8:11
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He… will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
This first “home” is deeply relational: we live in God, and He lives in us.
Currently, our spirits live in mortal bodies, subject to weakness and decay. But God has promised us new, glorified bodies—a second dwelling—suitable for eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:1-4
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God…
For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven…
This passage compares our current body to a tent—temporary and fragile—while our future body is called a building—eternal and heavenly.
This transformation is fully realized at the resurrection or rapture (see 1 Corinthians 15:51-53, Philippians 3:20-21). These are not bodies made from earthly material, but from the heavenly substance of immortality and incorruption.
Philippians 3:21
“…who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body…”
This body is our second dwelling place—a home for our spirit that can dwell with God forever.
The final “dwelling place” is the eternal environment that God will create: the New Heaven and New Earth, and the heavenly city—the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 21:1-3
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth…
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God…
And I heard a loud voice… saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them…’”
The apostle John gives vivid detail of this glorious city:
This final home is where heaven and earth unite. God is no longer separated from man. The New Jerusalem represents the consummation of redemption, where the bride of Christ dwells with God in eternal joy (see Revelation 19:7-9).
Jesus said “many” dwelling places. We’ve been shown only three in Scripture. What more could be waiting for us in eternity?
1 Corinthians 2:9
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
This truth reminds us: salvation is not something to take lightly. If these three dwelling places are this glorious, how much more is hidden in God’s eternal plan?
If you haven’t yet received Jesus Christ, now is the time. He is the only way to access these eternal dwellings.
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Receive Him by faith. Turn from your sins. Invite Him to dwell in you today.
If you are ready to begin your journey with Christ, please reach out to us using the contact information at the end of this message. We are here to pray with you, guide you, and help you walk into your eternal purpose—free of charge.
May the Lord richly bless you and keep you. Amen.
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