In 2 Corinthians 5:9, does it matter whether a believer is present in the body or absent with the Lord?
No. In 2 Corinthians 5:9, the distinction between being present in the body or absent with the Lord is beside the point. Paul calls it moot. Whether still on earth or gone to be with the Lord, the believer’s aim is to be approved, because these verses concern reward for living here as believers, not salvation.
Les explains that Paul has just dealt with the departure of the soul and spirit from the body, which puts the believer present with the Lord. Then in verse 9 Paul says, “Wherefore we labor, that whether present or absent,” and Les calls that distinction beside the point—moot. Whether a believer remains in this world or has gone on to be with the Lord, the issue is being approved, because these verses are not dealing with salvation at all. Les emphasizes that 2 Corinthians 5:1–13 concerns reward for how believers live, not escaping hell fire. Believers are saved to serve, which is why the Lord leaves them here. He also illustrates that when the Resurrection or Rapture comes, reunion with departed loved ones will not feel like decades apart; it will seem like only minutes.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
More Questions
What does Paul mean by "whether present or absent" in 2 Corinthians 5:9?
In 2 Corinthians 5:9, "whether present or absent" is beside the point/moot; whether we are still here on earth or gone to be with the Lord, the goal is that we may be approved, because this passage is not about salvation.
What is the believer's aim whether present or absent?
Whether a believer is still here on earth or has gone to be with the Lord, the aim is that they may be approved, because this passage is not dealing with salvation.