So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
New Christians frequently have trouble understanding the teaching of this passage. Questions usually revolve around the meaning of verse 7. This is for a couple of reasons. First, the metaphor breaks down when the meaning of faith is misunderstood. Second, the verse is often lifted from its immediate context and attached to an idea that Paul never intended.
Allow me to explain — Paul isn’t talking about physical walking, nor is he talking about physical sight. Otherwise, I would join in with those who would ask, “What do you mean we don’t walk by sight? Doesn’t everyone walk by sight except the people who are visually impaired?” But even if someone realizes this is a metaphor, and “walk” is referring to the way in which we live our lives, is blind living what Paul is advocating? Hardly.
You have probably heard someone use the term “blind faith” to describe a situation where someone trusts another without any history, evidence, or reason to do so. Again, this is not what Paul is describing. Biblical faith is well summarized in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (emphasis mine).
With this in mind, Paul is saying to make decisions based upon what God has said, even when you can’t see how He will accomplish it. God’s character and integrity are flawless. He has always fulfilled His promises. Therefore, we can have confidence that when this life is over we will “be present with the Lord” (verse 8).
Verse 7 was never supposed to be a slogan for positive thinking. It was never intended to encourage Christians to skip critical thinking, ignore facts, and avoid preparation. It is often quoted in relation to decisions like changing careers, moving to a new place, starting a ministry, or taking huge risks. These decisions do not fit the context.
Instead, verse 6 describes the present issue: we belong to Christ but are not with Him fully yet. Verse 8 reminds us of when our future hope is realized: the time in which our faith gives way to sight. That means that we currently live (verse 7) in anticipation of that day. We are not home yet.
– John Pippin
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