Question: What are the "many mansions" to which Jesus refers?

November 1, 2018

TBC Staff

Question: “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it had not been so, I would have told you. I’ll prepare you a place.” What are these “many mansions”? I would think there would be several “classifications” and the most beautiful mansions, should be for the most faithful believers who had a greater reward and had worked harder for the Lord and His Kingdom here on earth, like the disciples. When we get down to the common believers like so many of us, it would seem that we should receive only a modest abode, like a hut. Is that correct? Or will all mansions be the same for all?

Response: One of the inherent problems when examining the details of heaven is that we are dependent upon speculation, since we’re given few specific details about what we will find there. For example, when we see the word “dwellings,” we immediately equate that word with conditions here on the earth, forgetting that “we shall be changed,” and, consequently, as resurrection beings, our needs will be vastly different. As a result, we’re speculating without a full understanding.

Regarding heaven: First of all, it’s too easy to rely upon speculation regarding the things that will be available in heaven. First Corinthians 2:9 states, “But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” One of the things that God has “prepared” for us is heaven. Although it’s impossible for us to see heaven now, we are given glimpses.

Heaven is a place of joy where the Lord God will wipe away all tears from off all faces (Isaiah:25:8). Psalm:16:11 tells us, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” In Revelation:21:4, we read, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” And in Revelation:7:16, we see, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.”

Finally, when we arrive in that which He has “prepared for us,” we can know with certainty that His provision will exceed our imaginations. Yes, there are differences in rewards, but we have no specific evidence that these will involve the size of the houses in which we will live. And we can be certain that there will be no pettiness of comparison there, nor feelings of disappointment. We will be rejoicing because we will see HIM! First John tells us, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John:3:2). There will surely be no greater joy than that.

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