Many Rooms in My Father’s House – Johns Eschatology Dwelling Place of God • I and the Father are one

A New Perspective on Jesus’ Promise

In this insightful Bible teaching, Matthew Vander Els from Founded in Truth Fellowship delves into the well-known passage in John 14:1-3, where Jesus tells his disciples, “In my Father’s house are many rooms.” Often interpreted as a promise of individual mansions in heaven, this teaching offers a richer understanding rooted in the historical and linguistic context of the scriptures.

Vander Els begins by sharing a personal anecdote about his son asking about the appearance of heaven. This leads him to reflect on the common perception of heaven as a physical place with grand dwellings. He then pivots to the original Greek word used in John 14:2, which is “mone.” He clarifies that “mone” translates more accurately to dwelling place, abode, or room, rather than the modern concept of a mansion. The King James Version’s use of “mansions” was influenced by the Latin Vulgate and the meaning of the word “mansion” in 17th-century England, which simply meant a room or a place to stay.

This distinction is crucial because it shifts the focus from a future individual reward to a present reality of dwelling with God. Vander Els emphasizes that Jesus, who lived a humble life, encouraging his followers to give up possessions and not idolize money, would likely not promise extravagant personal estates in a future realm.

Understanding the Father’s House

To further illuminate the meaning of “my Father’s house,” the teaching connects this phrase to the temple in Jewish tradition. In John 2:16, Jesus refers to the temple as “my Father’s house” when he drives out those who were commercializing it. Similarly, in Luke 2:49, a young Jesus, after being found in the temple, asks his parents, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” These instances reveal that “Father’s house” was a familiar term referring to the dwelling place of God on earth.

Given this context, Vander Els proposes that when Jesus speaks of “many rooms” in his Father’s house, he isn’t necessarily talking about literal rooms in a heavenly mansion. Instead, he’s assuring his disciples that there is ample space within God’s presence for everyone. The numerous rooms or chambers (lishkot) in the historical temple complex served as storehouses and spaces for various activities, symbolizing the vastness and inclusivity of God’s abode.

Furthermore, the Gospel of John presents a significant theme: Jesus himself is the new temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God. Through Jesus, God has broken into creation, making his presence a present reality. Therefore, to dwell with God is to make our dwelling with Yeshua and follow him.

The Prepared Place and the Kingdom Now

Jesus tells his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them. The traditional interpretation sees this as Jesus ascending to heaven to build mansions for believers. However, this teaching suggests that the “place” Jesus is preparing is not a physical location in the afterlife, but rather the way to the Father through his death and resurrection. When Jesus speaks of where he is going in John 13, it is in the context of his impending crucifixion.

The good news, according to this perspective, is not just about a future reward, but about the present reality of God’s kingdom. As stated in Mark 1:14-15, Jesus proclaimed that “The time has come… The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” This kingdom is not merely a future hope but is among us now. Believers are part of this kingdom and can experience the goodness of God’s creation in the present.

Eternal life begins the moment one believes and receives the Holy Spirit, not at the time of death. Through faith in Jesus, heaven crashes into earth. Believers are seated with Christ in heavenly places right now (Ephesians 2:5-6), participating in his reign and ruling over creation as ambassadors of Christ. This means representing the king and his kingdom in our daily lives.

Living as Citizens of the Kingdom

The primary way to follow Yeshua and represent his kingdom is through love. Jesus gives a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). This love should be the lens through which we see and interact with others.

This teaching also addresses the concept of hell, suggesting that it is not solely a future punishment but can be a present reality created by our actions and words. Misusing the tongue to spread bitterness and hate can ignite the “fires of hell” in the present (James 3). Similarly, weaponizing God’s word to control and oppress others creates a present “hell” for those affected (Matthew 23).

While acknowledging the biblical teaching on a final judgment and a place of peace after death, the emphasis here is on the transformative power of the gospel in the here and now. The ultimate hope is the final resurrection and the restoration of creation to its very good state, where believers will reign with God.

Application for Everyday Life

• Embrace the Present Reign of God: Recognize that God’s kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality in your life.
• Dwell in God’s Presence: Seek to make your dwelling with Yeshua through faith and obedience, experiencing the comfort and safety of God’s presence now.
• Love as Jesus Loved: Prioritize loving others sacrificially, making it the primary way you interact with the world.
• Be an Ambassador of Christ: Live as a representative of Jesus, reflecting his love, mercy, and justice in your daily actions.
• Speak Life, Not Hellfire: Use your words to build up and encourage others, avoiding bitterness and condemnation that can create a present “hell.”
• Resist the World’s Systems: Recognize that you belong to a different kingdom and do not have to conform to the selfish and oppressive ways of the world.
• Find Hope in Christ: No matter your current struggles, find hope and power in the reality of Christ’s victory and his presence with you.

For more Bible Teachings, visit our website.

References

• John 14:1
• John 14:2
• John 14:3
• John 2:16
• Luke 2:49
• Mark 1:14
• Mark 1:15

Books and Resources Mentioned

• The Bible by Various Authors