Duane,
That's a great question. Ray explained it so that it makes perfect sense.
[Ray Replies]
Of the millions of times a year that this Scripture in II Cor. 5:8 is quoted, probably only about twice is it ever quoted properly. And THAT is partly the reason why most do not understand this verse.
Paul never said: "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." There is NO SUCH SCRIPTURE.
Let's quote it properly:
"We are confident, I say, and willing rather TO BE absent from the body, and TO BE present with the Lord."
Or as Concordant Literal New Testament renders it:
"...rather to be away from home out of the body and to be at home with the Lord."
There is a giant difference between the two words "is" and "and." Just the fact of being "absent or separated" from our bodies, does not automatically equate with being instantaneously "WITH" the Lord.Keep reading ....
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,8827.msg73642.html#msg73642You remember that in death we know nothing. Well, when we are dead we won't know it; all anyone will ever KNOW (or be aware of) is life. And Paul knew that when he died he wouldn't know it; he would have NO idea of the amount of time that passes, would he? No, he wouldn't because the dead know NOT anything.
Then, when he awakes at the last trump, he will be with the Lord. But because he knew nothing of the time that had passed while he was dead (because the dead know nothing, not even time that passes), it will be as if he closed his eyes one moment and opened them right up the next.
Kind of like when you're driving along in your car and your mind is somewhere else and before you know it you've arrived at your destination. Well, that's what Paul's saying--rather TO BE absent from the body AND [not "is"]
to be present with the Lord. That's how quickly it will seem to us, even though years, decades, centuries, etc., have passed. Why? Because we were dead; and the dead know nothing. The only thing we'll ever
know (get it?) is LIFE.
(See Ray's article "An Encouraging Word About Death")
I hope that helps a little, Duane.