What does 2 Corinthians 5:8 mean?

Paul writes that we are confident and willing to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. This points to the Rapture, when believers are brought up into glory with Jesus, while tribulation unfolds below. It expresses a preference to move on and be with Christ.

Les explains that 2 Corinthians 5:8 is set in the context of rewards for believers. Immediately after the Rapture, when believers are brought up into glory with the Lord Jesus, and the tribulation unfolds down here below, a great event takes place in heaven. In that setting Paul writes, 'We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.' Les says Paul would rather move on, wherefore we labor. The verse expresses the believer's willingness to depart this life and be present with the Lord, looking forward to that heavenly event. Les connects this to the broader teaching on rewards, where the talents illustrate that the one who hustled and made ten more will rule over ten cities in the kingdom, receiving reward in eternity. Our rewards will be levels of responsibility as we rule and reign with Christ. The person with only wood, hay, and stubble will be saved but will not enjoy the benefits of reward.

2 Corinthians 5:8

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

Why does Paul write about death in 2 Corinthians 5?

Paul writes about death in 2 Corinthians 5 to answer what happens when believers die, especially while facing his own expectation of death and loss of ministry. The earthly body is a temporary tent; when it dissolves, the eternal person continues and has a permanent building from God in the heavens.