The phrase "putting off this tabernacle" is a metaphorical expression used in the Bible to describe the event of natural death. This imagery is rooted in the understanding of the human body as a temporary dwelling, akin to a tent or tabernacle, which is eventually set aside. The concept is primarily drawn from the writings of the Apostle Peter, who uses this metaphor to convey the transient nature of earthly life and the anticipation of eternal life with God.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Peter 1:13-14 : "I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me." In this passage, Peter refers to his body as a "tent," indicating its temporary nature. The act of "putting it aside" signifies his impending death, which he views as a transition rather than an end.

2. 2 Corinthians 5:1 : "Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." Here, the Apostle Paul contrasts the temporary "earthly tent" with the "eternal house" in heaven, emphasizing the believer's hope in a permanent, divine dwelling after death.

Theological Significance:

The metaphor of the body as a tabernacle underscores the belief in the temporality of earthly existence and the eternal nature of the soul. It reflects the Christian understanding that life on earth is a pilgrimage, a journey towards a more permanent and glorious existence with God. This perspective encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, focusing on spiritual growth and readiness for the life to come.

Historical Context:

In biblical times, tents were common dwellings for nomadic peoples, including the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The tabernacle itself was a portable sanctuary, symbolizing God's presence among His people. By likening the body to a tent, the biblical authors draw on familiar imagery to communicate profound spiritual truths about life, death, and resurrection.

Practical Implications:

For Christians, the notion of "putting off this tabernacle" serves as a reminder of the impermanence of physical life and the importance of preparing for eternity. It encourages a focus on spiritual priorities, such as faith, obedience, and service to God, rather than an undue attachment to worldly concerns. This understanding provides comfort and hope in the face of death, assuring believers of their future with Christ.

Related Concepts:

· Resurrection: The belief in the resurrection of the body is closely linked to the idea of putting off the tabernacle. While the earthly body is temporary, Christians hold that it will be transformed and glorified in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

· Eternal Life: The transition from the earthly tent to the eternal house signifies the believer's passage into eternal life, a core promise of the Christian faith (John 3:16).

· Pilgrimage: The metaphor aligns with the biblical theme of life as a pilgrimage, a journey towards a heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:13-16).

In summary, the description of natural death as "putting off this tabernacle" offers a rich theological metaphor that captures the essence of Christian hope and the transient nature of earthly life.2 Peter 1:14
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has showed me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Sin Laid on Jesus
... His griefs are worthy to be described according to ... it may mean, whatever over and
beyond natural death was intended ... We believe also that by the death of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/sin laid on jesus.htm

Where is the Lord?
... As it is here described, he first of all gave ... have been fighting, and he might have
died a natural death. ... covenanting blood, and the putting to death of those ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/where is the lord.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... use air, mist, cloud, fire, and any other natural substance or ... is evident did happen,
were done or described for the ... The death of the first-born things, is the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

Letter xxxix. To Paula.
... Moses; yet when the funeral of Joshua is described [837] no ... the claims of a grief
which seems natural and right ... no limits, and bring you to the verge of death. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxxix to paula.htm

The Fainting Warrior
... that concern God and eternity, the natural man can ... I have thus described the two
combatants; we shall now ... It is my agonizing death struggle with my corruptions ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the fainting warrior.htm

For whom did Christ Die?
... the raw material upon which he works is described in the ... If the truth of natural
depravity be but known and ... Salvation by the death of Christ is the strongest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/for whom did christ die.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... that in its being so contrary to our natural spirits, there ... of these bowings and
ceremonies was as death itself; which ... and wearing of gold, or of putting on of ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... Peter 1:14), that is, my body, 'by death' (John 21 ... of the whole; or man, the spirit
and natural power, by ... thou art from the breath of God, God putting forth in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

On the Soul and the Resurrection.
... How, I ask, does this man, by putting his fingers to ... is it that your mind has conceived
such a hatred of death? ... organs of sense only for this their natural work ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the soul and the 2.htm

Immeasurable Love
... They are described in these words""Whosoever believeth in him ... the same chapel, as
it was very natural that I ... deliver me from the body of this death?" And the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/immeasurable love.htm

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