ABSENT from the body, present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)); or, “at home” with the Lord. These few but precious words give us full information upon a matter of deep importance―the state of the spirit of the believer after the death of his body, until the time of his resurrection.
The individuality of the person is shown to be untouched by death, as is also the case where the apostle says, “I have a desire to depart and to be with Christ.” The two conditions of being at home in the body and at home with the Lord being surveyed, in each state, “himself,” in his individuality, is spoken of.
The blessing of the person who is absent from the body is also indicated, “We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” And this is also before us in these words, “To depart and be with Christ is far better;” “To die is gain.” There is greater privilege, richer blessing, higher joy at home with the Lord than there is at home in the body.
Further, the place which the spirit of the believer occupies is distinctly stated― “With the Lord!” Where He is. This is clear. It allows no room for unhallowed fancies of spirits hovering about the earth. Of what gain, indeed, would that be to them? Nay, how sorrowful would they be in witnessing the ills and sufferings of this life without any ability to relieve or help! Was it not their pleasure to soothe and serve us here? The only reason Paul desired to remain upon earth was that he might help the Philippians and others; for his own sake he preferred to depart and be with Christ.
“With the Lord!” What does this word not embrace? The truly happy hours for the believer upon earth are those spent in communion and soul intercourse with Him. In paradise the spirit will be uninterruptedly, unbrokenly, undistractedly with the Lord. The origin of many of the prevailing painful thoughts concerning the state of the spirit severed from the body is, doubtless, owing to the feebleness with which faith grasps these words, “with the Lord.”
What strange notions float through the mind as to the departed. They are not singing among the angels. They have not harps or white robes―the resurrection has not yet come―for these they wait, and wait patiently in His patience, with Whom they are. But they are supremely happy, this hallowed period is spent alone with Him who loved them, He ministers to them, they are near Him. We witnessed their deep peace and overflowing joy in their last hours, and our spirits caught somewhat of their blessedness; they, in the feebleness of dying bodies, testified to His being with them, and now theirs is peace more deep, their joy more overflowing; they are with Him!