2 Corinthians 4:16-2 Corinthians 5:10 - Living By Faith

16 Therefore, we do not get discouraged, for though our physical body is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed daily. 17 For our insignificant troubles [here on earth], which last only a short time, are producing for us an immeasurable, never ending [counter-] weight of splendor [i.e., in heaven. See Rom. 8:18]. 18 So, we do not look at the things which can be seen, but at what cannot be seen, for the things which can be seen are [only] temporary, but the things which cannot be seen are never ending.

1 For we know that if our earthly "house" [i.e., our physical body] which is like a tent, is torn down, we have [the promise of] a building from God, a never ending "house" in heaven that is not made by human hands. 2 For indeed, we groan while in this "house," longing to be covered over by our heavenly dwelling place, 3 because when we are covered by it, we will not be found naked [i.e., without a suitable dwelling for our body]. 4 For indeed, we who are in this "tent" groan under its burden, not [wanting] to be uncovered, but to be covered over. Then our mortal body will be swallowed up [i.e., replaced] by [never ending] life. 5 Now God is the One who has prepared us for this very thing [i.e., the receiving of a new body to live in]. He has [also] given us the Holy Spirit as a down payment. [Note: This refers to the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit as being a guarantee that we will receive the balance of our inheritance in the form of a new body].

6 So, we are always encouraged and know that, while we are at home in our [physical] body, we are away from the Lord, 7 for we live by faith, not by what we see. 8 We are encouraged, I say, and would rather be away from our body and at home with the Lord. 9 So, we are also eager to please God very much, whether we are at home [in our body] or away from it. 10 For we must all appear in front of the judgment bar of Christ, so that each one of us may receive what is due him for what he had done while in his [physical] body [i.e., on earth], whether it be good or bad.