by Thomas Manton
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord." (2 Cor 1: 1-6)
In "Not Made with Hands: An Exposition of 2 Corinthians 5," revered theologian Thomas Manton presents a detailed interpretation and comprehensive analysis of the biblical text, 2 Corinthians 5. He meticulously deciphers this profound passage, examining the Apostle Paul's reflections on our temporal earthly existence contrasted with the hope for an eternal dwelling in heaven—a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Divided into forty sermons, Manton explores each verse, unearthing the meaning and significance that lie within. He explicates the Apostle's spiritual dichotomy between the "earthly house" and the "heavenly dwelling," offering readers a profound exploration of life, death, faith, hope, and the promise of immortality. This scholarly commentary exposes Manton's extensive understanding of theological principles, evident in his insightful exploration of the themes of mortality, spiritual aspiration, courage, faith, divine judgment, reconciliation, and the transformative power of being in Christ.
Beginning with Paul's supposition of the worst case scenario—'If our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,' Manton moves on to dissect Paul's vision of a glorious existence beyond earthly life. He embarks on a detailed discourse around the Apostle's conviction—'We know that we have,' shedding light on how this certainty supports believers amid the trials of life, even death itself.
Each sermon in the book is an in-depth exploration of a verse or phrase, dissected and analyzed for a deeper understanding of the biblical text. Manton expounds upon each verse, drawing out its complexities and nuances, helping the reader gain a more profound understanding of Paul's teaching.
"Not Made with Hands: An Exposition of 2 Corinthians 5" is more than a mere commentary—it's a theological exploration of faith's grandest themes, brought to life through Manton's eloquent discourse. The book serves as a guide to comprehending the complexities of Christian faith and doctrine, making it a vital resource for pastors, students of theology, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the New Testament.
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Table of Contents
SERMON I. "For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved," ver. 1
SERMON II. "For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved," ver. 1
SERMON III. "For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved," ver. 1
SERMON IV. "For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house," ver. 2
SERMON V. "If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked," ver. 3
SERMON VI. "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened," ver. 4
SERMON VII. "Now he that hath wrought us for this self-same thing is God," ver. 5
SERMON VIII. "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home," ver. 6
SERMON IX. "Knowing that whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent," , ver. 6
SERMON X. "For we walk by faith, and not by sight," ver. 7
SERMON XI. "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body," , ver. 8
SERMON XII. "Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted," ver. 9
SERMON XIII. "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ," , ver. 10
SERMON XIV. "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ," , ver. 10
SERMON XV. "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ," , ver. 10
SERMON XVI. "For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ," , ver. 10
SERMON XVII. "That every man may receive the things done in the body, according to what," , ver. 10
SERMON XVIII. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men," , ver. 11
SERMON XIX. "But we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made," , vers. 11, 12
SERMON XX. "For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether," , ver. 13
SERMON XXI. "For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether," , ver. 13
SERMON XXII. "For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether," , ver. 13
SERMON XXIII. "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge," , ver. 14
SERMON XXIV. "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge," , ver. 14
SERMON XXV. "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge," , ver. 14
SERMON XXVI. "For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge," , ver. 14
SERMON XXVII. "For we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead," , ver. 14
SERMON XXVIII. "Then were all dead," ver. 14
SERMON XXIX. "But to him that died and rose again," ver. 15
SERMON XXX. "That they which live should not henceforth live to themselves," , ver. 15
SERMON XXXI. "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh," , ver. 16
SERMON XXXII. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature," , ver. 17
SERMON XXXIII. "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself," , ver. 18
SERMON XXXIV. "To wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself," , ver. 19
SERMON XXXV. "Not imputing their trespasses unto them," , ver. 19
SERMON XXXVI. "Not imputing their trespasses unto them," , ver. 19
SERMON XXXVII. "And hath committed to us the word of reconciliation," ver. 19
SERMON XXXVIII. "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did," , ver. 20
SERMON XXXIX. "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did," , ver. 20
SERMON XL. "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might," , ver. 21