We Christians are going to be clothed with our own works. We are going to reap what we sow. We are going to receive what we have done in the body. There may be no other Divine truth more needful of being proclaimed clearly in our day.

I have discussed this topic, along with the general concept of the resurrection from the dead, in many of my writings. Yet it seemed good to devote one short essay to the house from Heaven. It is so utterly important that we Christians understand the relationship of our present behavior to what we are going to receive in the day of resurrection.

Our Christian mythology and traditions have made going to Heaven to live forever our goal. This is not the scriptural goal of the Christian. The scriptural goal is the resurrection from the dead, in particular, the resurrection to life.

And so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:11—NIV)

It is true that Paul wanted to go home to be with the Lord. But going to Heaven was never stated as Paul's goal. His goal was to attain the redemption of his body, the resurrection to life.

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23—NIV)

The reason we of today do not groan inwardly, waiting for the redemption of our body, is that we do not understand the Christian plan of salvation. We have been pointing toward the wrong goal. Our true goal is not residence in Heaven but the redemption of our body. Salvation never has to do with a change of place. Salvation always is pointed toward a change in what we are. Once we are fully saved we can go anywhere we desire.

If we are to understand the resurrection there is one aspect that must be grasped. Our flesh and bones will be raised from their place of interment. Our body will be reassembled and stand on its feet whether we have been buried, or have drowned, or have been cremated, or blown to bits in an explosion. We will be reassembled and stood up on our feet.

Such resurrection of our flesh and bones is inevitable. It shall happen whether we desire it or not. It shall take place whether our behavior is good or evil. We will be rewarded or punished in our body. Man is not man except as he is in his body.

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice And come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. (John 5:28,29—NIV)

However, it is the next event that is all-important, that is not inevitable, that is directly related to our behavior. It is what happens to us after we are resurrected. The most important next step after we have been resurrected is that which takes place concerning our personality, in particular, what kind of house, or robe, is placed over our body.

To be continued.