That is, by faith, not by experience. The word “for” makes ch. 5 a continuation of the theme of ch. 4. Here Paul explains that the reason for the hope stated in ch. 4 is the certainty of the resurrection at the second coming of Christ. The resurrection is the gateway to the eternal world, and hence the objective of Paul’s earnest desire. Jesus expressed the same assurance regarding the truths He taught (cf. John 3:11; 4:22).

 Paul also speaks of his “building of God” as a “house which is from heaven” (v. 2), and of its being “not made with hands” but “eternal” (v. 1). He speaks of taking possession of that house as being “clothed upon” with it (v. 2), and of being “ absent from the body” when he is “present with the Lord” (v. 8). Some have identified this “building” with the “mansions” of John 14:2. But if reference is to literal heavenly mansions, then the earthly house should also refer to literal earthly houses. But this is obviously not what the writer has in mind. Most Biblical expositors agree that Paul here refers to the “spiritual body” given to the believer at the time of the resurrection (see on 1 Cor. 15:35-54). He speaks of his “earthly house” as a “tent,” and of his heavenly “house” as a “building.” One is a temporary dwelling place, the other permanent. The bodies of the resurrected saints will resemble that of their resurrected Lord (Luke 24:36-43; Phil. 3:21).

 Paul’s confidence in the blessed hope of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20) is so certain that he speaks of his future “house” as a present possession. His eyes are fixed on things that are, as yet, “not seen” (2 Cor. 4:18). His heavenly “house” is no less real to him than his earthly “house.” The heroes of faith named in Hebrews 11 similarly accepted God’s promises and acted upon them as though they were present realities. Paul has the title and the right to his heavenly “house” and does not hesitate to claim it as his.

 Literally, “our earthly tent-house.” With reference to his “earthly house.” With reference to his “earthly house” Paul also speaks of being “absent from the Lord” while he is “at home in the body” (v. 6), and of groaning until his “earthly house” is “dissolved” (v. 1) and he takes possession of his “house which is from heaven” (v. 2). To compare the human body with a tent was natural for a tentmaker (see Acts 18:3). Tent and body are alike in several respects: the materials of which both are made come from the earth, both are temporary in nature, and both are easily destroyed. A tent is but a transient dwelling place, and may be taken down and moved at any time. Literally, according to John 1:14, Christ “tented” among us when He assumed a human body at the time of His incarnation (see comment there). Peter similarly compares the human body to a tent, or “tabernacle” (see 2 Peter 1:13, 14).