In the “oikia” [house, household] of God are many “monai” [lodgings, dwelling-places, rooms, mansions] (John 14:2). Jesus also called the temple his Father's house (oikos) and that he, the apostles, prophets and church would be the replacement temple. John 14:23 declares that the Father and the Son will come and “remain, abide” with anyone who loves him and obeys him. This refers not just to our eternal future, but abiding with God now. Obedient believers live in a permanent dwelling place, a union with the Father and the Son regardless of physical circumstances. God and Jesus abide with us. This is repeatedly stressed throughout the Gospels. Although images of heavenly mansions are exciting, the real dwelling is in the relationship that we share with our heavenly Father and his Son, a "place" in God's family now and forever.
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