2 Corinthians 5:8
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are confident - We are of good courage, notwithstanding our many difficulties; because we have this earnest of the Spirit, and the unfailing testimony of God. And notwithstanding this, we are willing rather to be absent from the body - we certainly prefer a state of glory to a state of suffering, and the enjoyment of the beatific vision to even the anticipation of it by faith and hope; but, as Christians, we cannot desire to die before our time.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
willing--literally, "well content." Translate also, "To go (literally, migrate) from our home in the body, and to come to our home with the Lord." We should prefer to be found alive at the Lord's coming, and to be clothed upon with our heavenly body (Co2 5:2-4). But feeling, as we do, the sojourn in the body to be a separation from our true home "with the Lord," we prefer even dissolution by death, so that in the intermediate disembodied state we may go to be "with the Lord" (Phi 1:23). "To be with Christ" (the disembodied state) is distinguished from Christ's coming to take us to be with Him in soul and body (Th1 4:14-17, "with the Lord"). Perhaps the disembodied spirits of believers have fulness of communion with Christ unseen; but not the mutual recognition of one another, until clothed with their visible bodies at the resurrection (compare Th1 4:13-17), when they shall with joy recognize Christ's image in each other perfect.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent,.... This may be understood either of the ministers of the Gospel in particular, who labour in the word and doctrine, are ambitious, as the word here used signifies, and strive to preach the Gospel, not to please men, but their Lord and master; or of saints in general, who are intent upon this, and whose highest ambition is, that whether living or dying they may be accepted of him; both persons and services: such who are born again, who are believers in Christ, and truly love him, are earnestly desirous of doing those things which are pleasing to him; and do in the strength of Christ endeavour to perform them. Faith is a diligent, industrious, and operative grace, and makes persons like itself. As none ought to be, so none are more careful to perform good works, or more ambitious to excel others in them, and thereby please their Lord, than believers. And these are the only persons that can please him, for without faith it is impossible to please him; for these act from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory; and may they be but accepted of him, living and dying, both in this and the other world, they have the highest favour they can wish for and desire.
2 Corinthians 5:8
Our Eternal Dwelling
7For we walk by faith, not by sight.8We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.9So we aspire to please Him, whether we are here in this body or away from it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry
By J.C. Ryle2.3K39:51PSA 90:10ISA 40:8MAT 6:331CO 13:52CO 5:8PHP 4:71TH 4:17I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or any written information from the video, I would be more than happy to help summarize it for you.
Power Encounter in Papua New Guinea (Part 2)
By David Sitton1.6K59:06RevivalPSA 86:8PSA 116:15ACT 26:182CO 5:8In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a woman named Rosa who was practicing witchcraft. He describes how she was dancing, chanting, and trying to levitate a bamboo from a distance. The speaker responds by rebuking her in the name of Jesus and praying fervently. He then shares a story of preaching the gospel to tribal people and emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the superiority of God over their spirits. The sermon concludes with the speaker recounting a controversial decision he made during the encounter with Rosa, which resulted in the loss of some support.
At Home With the Lord
By Tim Conway99605:242CO 5:8This sermon emphasizes the brevity of life on earth and the certainty of death, urging listeners to be prepared for their eternal future. It speaks about the comfort of 'sleeping in the Lord' and the importance of being right with God. The speaker shares personal experiences with battling cancer and the significance of living a life dedicated to Christ, free from sin. The message highlights the hope of immortality and the need to finish well, striving for victory over sin and desiring to be with the Lord.
Easter conf.shannon Hills 01
By Welcome Detweiler96139:33ACT 20:242CO 5:81PE 1:4REV 21:1REV 21:8REV 22:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a heavenly city and how God conveys its description to us. He explains that God uses the known and the unknown to help us understand the infinite nature of the city. The speaker highlights the negatives of this world and emphasizes that those undesirable aspects will not be present in the heavenly city. He also mentions that there will be no sorrow in that city. The sermon encourages the audience to remember that this world is not their home and to look forward to the eternal city described in the Bible.
Dead Men See God
By Shane Idleman51029:58MAT 24:36JHN 10:10ROM 6:111CO 15:352CO 5:81TH 4:131JN 2:15This sermon discusses the concept of death as separation from the body to be present with Christ for believers, highlighting the contrasting reactions of those who know the Lord and those who do not. It delves into the understanding of what happens at death, emphasizing the eternal nature of the spirit and the resurrection of the body. The sermon also explores the idea of being prepared for Christ's return and the importance of being dead to the world to draw closer to God.
This Life and the After Life
By J.R. Miller0Hope in ChristEternal LifeISA 40:31MAT 6:20JHN 11:26ROM 8:381CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 11:1REV 21:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the continuity of life beyond death, asserting that there is no real break in existence for believers in Christ. He explains that dying is merely a transition, akin to waking from sleep, and that our earthly experiences will carry on in the afterlife. Miller reassures that all good and beautiful things we cherish will not be lost but will flourish in eternity, much like buds blooming into flowers. He encourages Christians to maintain hope, as even lives that seem unfulfilled will find completion in the eternal realm. Ultimately, he reminds us that in Christ, nothing beautiful or good ever truly perishes.
Hymn: Fulness of Joy
By John Nelson Darby0Hope in ChristEternal JoyPSA 16:11PSA 27:4JHN 14:3ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:61TH 4:17HEB 12:21JN 3:2REV 21:4John Nelson Darby expresses the profound joy and hope found in the anticipation of seeing Jesus face to face, emphasizing the deep love and grace that believers experience in their relationship with Him. He reflects on the sweetness of belonging to Christ and the eternal joy that comes from being united with Him and His saints in glory. The sermon highlights the assurance of God's faithful love, which sustains believers through their earthly journey and culminates in a future filled with praise and worship.
"Yet Shall He Live"
By A.W. Tozer0Perspective on DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15JHN 11:25JHN 14:2ROM 14:81CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes that for a believing Christian, death is not the worst fate but rather a transition to eternal life with Christ. He recalls a conversation with Harry M. Shuman, who highlighted that death represents victory and rest, contrasting it with the struggles of life. Tozer reflects on the Apostle Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ, affirming that this longing is a source of hope and comfort for believers. The sermon encourages Christians to view death as a journey rather than an end, fostering a deeper appreciation for eternal life.
Jesus Only
By Octavius Winslow0Comfort in TrialsDevotion to ChristPSA 73:25ISA 26:3MAT 17:8JHN 14:6JHN 16:33ROM 8:382CO 5:8PHP 3:8HEB 12:21PE 5:7Octavius Winslow emphasizes the centrality of Jesus in the life of a believer, urging that in every circumstance—be it guilt, sorrow, or anxiety—our focus should be solely on 'Jesus only.' He highlights that true love for Christ should be the supreme object of our affections, surpassing even the love of angels. Winslow reassures believers that in times of distress and at the moment of death, it is Jesus who provides comfort, support, and cleansing. The sermon calls for a deep, unwavering commitment to Jesus, encouraging believers to lean on Him in all aspects of life. Ultimately, Winslow reminds us that our journey, from life to death, should be marked by a singular devotion to 'Jesus only.'
And I Looked, And, Lo, a Lamb Stood on the Mount Sion
By C.H. Spurgeon0Eternal Fellowship with ChristThe Lamb of GodPSA 16:11JHN 1:29JHN 14:3ROM 8:382CO 5:8PHP 1:231TH 4:17HEB 12:2REV 5:12REV 21:3C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the centrality of Christ, the Lamb of God, in the heavenly realm, as revealed to the apostle John. He highlights that the Lamb is the focal point of joy and worship for all in heaven, and that believers can find solace in knowing they have seen the Lamb who takes away their sins. Spurgeon encourages Christians to rejoice in their relationship with Jesus, asserting that true heaven is being in His presence. He quotes Rutherford to illustrate that being with Christ is the essence of heaven, and without Him, even the most beautiful place would feel like hell. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures believers that their greatest blessing is to dwell with Christ eternally.
Homesick for Heaven
By H.C.G. Moule0Living with PurposeEternal LifeMAT 6:20JHN 14:2ROM 14:81CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:21COL 3:11TH 4:13HEB 12:1REV 21:4H.C.G. Moule emphasizes the balance between living fully in the present and longing for the eternal joy of being with Christ. He asserts that the believer finds purpose and zest in life through their relationship with Jesus, which makes the prospect of death not a loss but a gain, as it leads to a deeper communion with Him. Moule encourages believers to focus on their duties and service in this life, motivated by the hope of eternal fellowship with Christ. He highlights that the joy of duty and the anticipation of heaven coexist, enriching the believer's experience on earth. Ultimately, the sermon reflects on the blessedness of death for the faithful, who transition from this life to a state of being 'far, far better' with Christ.
Only Those Prepared Here
By Thomas Shepard02CH 12:14PSA 10:17MAL 1:14LUK 1:17ROM 9:231CO 15:502CO 5:8PHP 3:20HEB 12:14REV 21:27Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of being ready and prepared in this life for Christ to enjoy eternal communion with Him. He emphasizes that men are naturally unfit for heaven and must be prepared by God's grace to partake in fellowship with Christ. The honor of the Lord Jesus is highlighted, as believers owe it to Him to be in readiness for His return. The sermon concludes with a call to self-reflection and repentance for those who are unready, emphasizing the urgency of being prepared to meet the Lord.
The Mutual Gain of Christ and Christians in Their Life and Death.
By John Gill0The Gain of DeathLife in ChristMRK 10:30JHN 11:25ROM 8:32ROM 14:81CO 15:552CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 6:191JN 1:7John Gill preaches on the profound truth that for believers, life is centered around Christ and death is a gain, emphasizing that both living and dying serve to glorify Christ. He reflects on the life of Reverend Joseph Stennett, illustrating how his ministry was dedicated to Christ and how his death is a gain, not only for him but also for the glory of God. Gill explains that in life, Christ is everything to the believer, providing wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, while in death, believers are freed from sin and enter into eternal communion with Christ. The sermon encourages the congregation to find hope in the promise of eternal life and the joy of being with Christ after death.
The Death of Saints Precious
By Charles Finney0Death of SaintsEternal LifePSA 116:15ISA 57:1MAT 5:4JHN 14:2ROM 14:82CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:131PE 1:3REV 21:4Charles Finney emphasizes the preciousness of the death of saints in God's sight, explaining that their transition to eternal rest is a source of joy for both God and the departed. He outlines reasons why this event is precious, including God's deep love for His children, the joy of their eternal happiness, and the glory it brings to Him. Finney also encourages believers to view the death of saints as precious, urging them to align their perspectives with God's, recognizing the joy and glory that accompany such transitions. He addresses common reasons for our failure to see death in this light, such as selfishness and unbelief, and concludes with a call to rejoice in God's mercies and the hope of eternal life.
The Future Life - the Future Life Immortality
By W.B. Dunkum0GEN 2:7PSA 16:11ISA 26:19DAN 12:2JHN 11:25JHN 14:191CO 15:202CO 5:8W.B. Dunkum preaches about the profound importance and interest in the questions of life beyond death, emphasizing that belief in immortality is a powerful motivator for moral and religious living, with the only reliable information coming from the Word of God. He highlights that death is not the end but a gateway to eternal bliss, and that Christ's resurrection has brought life and immortality to light. The sermon delves into the universal belief in immortality, the certainty of resurrection, and the various proofs of the soul's immortality found in nature, human character, and the Scriptures.
Death Brings the Soul to a State of Eternal Rest
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal RestThe Hope of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:2MAT 11:28JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 4:9REV 14:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a believer's last day is their best day, as death brings the soul into a state of eternal rest. He explains that death provides relief from the troubles of labor, afflictions, persecutions, temptations, sin, and sorrow. While in this world, even the godliest believers experience a lack of both temporal and spiritual mercies, but death leads to unchangeable rest and everlasting enjoyment of God. Brooks describes death as a coronation and marriage day for believers, marking their entrance into paradise and the joy of the Lord. Ultimately, he asserts that the day of a believer's death is far better than the day of their birth.
The Sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory!
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal GloryCommunion with ChristPSA 16:11MAT 28:20JHN 14:3JHN 17:24ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:231TH 4:17HEB 12:2REV 21:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep desire of Christ for communion with His people, illustrating that true happiness for believers lies in being in His presence both now and in heaven. He highlights that Christ's joy is incomplete without His followers, as He longs for them to share in His glory. The ultimate fulfillment of this desire will be realized in heaven, where believers will enjoy perfect fellowship with Christ, beholding His glory without any hindrance. Brooks describes this communion as the 'sparkling diamond in the ring of glory,' signifying its unparalleled value and beauty. The sermon encourages believers to anticipate the joy of eternal communion with Christ.
Psalms 116:15
By Chuck Smith0Hope in Eternal LifeThe Value of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:1JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 11:16REV 21:4Chuck Smith emphasizes that the death of a Christian is viewed as precious in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting that it is ordained and planned by God. He explains that while death is often feared, it signifies a release from the struggles of the physical body and an entrance into God's presence. Smith notes that God's love for His saints is evident in their trust during death, which contrasts with the divided love often experienced in life. Ultimately, the death of saints is a fulfillment of hope, ushering them into eternal life with God.
"A Place for You"
By H.J. Vine0PSA 16:11JHN 14:32CO 5:8PHP 1:231JN 4:19H.J. Vine preaches about the true essence of heaven, emphasizing that being with Jesus is the ultimate desire for those who have experienced His love and salvation. He shares a story of a man who, despite being taught wrongly about heaven, found true joy and fulfillment in knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for him and longs for his presence. The preacher highlights the importance of seeking Jesus above all else, as His presence in His Father's house is the greatest joy for believers.
Christ and the Fear of Death
By George H. Morrison0PSA 23:4JHN 11:25ROM 8:11CO 15:552CO 5:8George H. Morrison delves into the two primary feelings evoked by the thought of death: curiosity and fear. He explores how curiosity about the unknown beyond death and the universal fear of dying have been ingrained in human hearts since ancient times. Morrison emphasizes that while the fear of death may lie dormant during times of joy or passion, it resurfaces in moments of crisis, serving a purpose in God's plan. He highlights how Jesus Christ addresses and alleviates the fear of death by offering comfort, assurance of eternal life beyond the grave, and freedom from the dread of judgment through His sacrificial love.
The Mental Agonies of Hell
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Eternal ConsequencesUrgency of SalvationGEN 15:1PSA 73:26PRO 15:11JER 6:30MAT 25:412CO 5:8PHP 1:232TH 1:92TI 4:8REV 3:20Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgency of seeking the kingdom of heaven, drawing from Paul's example of striving for spiritual assurance and discipline even after conversion. He warns of the dire consequences of being a 'castaway,' highlighting the mental agonies of hell, where the unrepentant will be eternally separated from God's presence, favor, and blessings. M'Cheyne illustrates that the wicked will face not only the absence of joy and comfort but also the torment of their own memories and conscience. He urges both believers to remain vigilant in their faith and the ungodly to turn to Christ before it is too late, reminding them of the love of Christ who bore the weight of being a castaway for their salvation.
Listen to the Eyewitness of His Majesty
By John Piper0LUK 22:32ACT 3:62CO 5:82PE 1:31JN 3:31JN 4:8REV 22:16John Piper preaches on the importance of confirming our call and election by standing firm in faith and advancing in virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. He emphasizes that our efforts are empowered by God's Spirit and His promises, not by our works. Peter's reminder to believers includes the assurance of Christ's second coming, based on his eyewitness experience of Christ's majesty on the mount of transfiguration. The prophetic word of Christ's coming is likened to a lamp shining in a dark place, urging Christians to pay attention to it until the day dawns and the morning star rises in their hearts.
The Dying Believer
By Octavius Winslow0DeathHope in ChristJHN 14:12CO 5:8PHP 1:21Octavius Winslow speaks on the transition of a believer from sickness to death, emphasizing that this process, though often painful, is a divine gathering of God's children into His paradise. He reassures the dying believer of the glorious prospect of meeting Jesus and being freed from earthly suffering, encouraging them to focus on Christ rather than their circumstances. Winslow also highlights the importance of preparing one's earthly affairs for the benefit of loved ones left behind, drawing parallels to Jesus' own last will and testament. The sermon serves as a comforting reminder of the hope and peace found in Christ during the final moments of life.
Look Upon Death
By Thomas Brooks0DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15ECC 7:1MIC 2:10JHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:23HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes the perspective of viewing death as a blessing rather than a fear, asserting that a believer's dying day is the best day, marking the transition to eternal glory. He illustrates that death serves as a remedy, curing both physical ailments and spiritual sins, thus liberating the believer from all forms of suffering. Brooks encourages Christians to embrace death as a rest from the trials of life, highlighting that it leads to a state of eternal peace and joy in the presence of Christ. He reminds the faithful that death is not an end, but a beginning of a glorious existence free from sin and suffering.
True Saints, When Absent From the Body, Are Present With the Lord
By Jonathan Edwards0PSA 16:11JHN 17:242CO 5:8PHP 1:23REV 5:10REV 19:5REV 19:7REV 21:3REV 22:3Jonathan Edwards preaches about the privilege and happiness of being with Christ in heaven after leaving the body, emphasizing the great future privilege of dwelling with Christ, the value of this privilege, the present benefit of faith and hope in this future privilege, and the glorious and immediate fellowship with Christ. He highlights the souls of true saints going to be with Christ in heaven, dwelling in the same blessed abode, enjoying a perfect union and conformity with Him, and engaging in glorious and eternal fellowship with Him. Edwards encourages seeking after this privilege and reflects on the life and death of an eminent servant of Christ, emphasizing his deep experiences, extraordinary gifts, and remarkable success in advancing Christ's kingdom among the Indians.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are confident - We are of good courage, notwithstanding our many difficulties; because we have this earnest of the Spirit, and the unfailing testimony of God. And notwithstanding this, we are willing rather to be absent from the body - we certainly prefer a state of glory to a state of suffering, and the enjoyment of the beatific vision to even the anticipation of it by faith and hope; but, as Christians, we cannot desire to die before our time.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
willing--literally, "well content." Translate also, "To go (literally, migrate) from our home in the body, and to come to our home with the Lord." We should prefer to be found alive at the Lord's coming, and to be clothed upon with our heavenly body (Co2 5:2-4). But feeling, as we do, the sojourn in the body to be a separation from our true home "with the Lord," we prefer even dissolution by death, so that in the intermediate disembodied state we may go to be "with the Lord" (Phi 1:23). "To be with Christ" (the disembodied state) is distinguished from Christ's coming to take us to be with Him in soul and body (Th1 4:14-17, "with the Lord"). Perhaps the disembodied spirits of believers have fulness of communion with Christ unseen; but not the mutual recognition of one another, until clothed with their visible bodies at the resurrection (compare Th1 4:13-17), when they shall with joy recognize Christ's image in each other perfect.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent,.... This may be understood either of the ministers of the Gospel in particular, who labour in the word and doctrine, are ambitious, as the word here used signifies, and strive to preach the Gospel, not to please men, but their Lord and master; or of saints in general, who are intent upon this, and whose highest ambition is, that whether living or dying they may be accepted of him; both persons and services: such who are born again, who are believers in Christ, and truly love him, are earnestly desirous of doing those things which are pleasing to him; and do in the strength of Christ endeavour to perform them. Faith is a diligent, industrious, and operative grace, and makes persons like itself. As none ought to be, so none are more careful to perform good works, or more ambitious to excel others in them, and thereby please their Lord, than believers. And these are the only persons that can please him, for without faith it is impossible to please him; for these act from a principle of love to him, and with a view to his glory; and may they be but accepted of him, living and dying, both in this and the other world, they have the highest favour they can wish for and desire.