Two weeks ago, I posted an article diving into the fascinating origins and history of the ever-popular rapture doctrine (read it here). Reactions were strong—an intriguing mix of anger and curiosity. Some dismissed my findings, but many leaned in with open minds, sparking meaningful conversations. That curiosity inspired a follow-up post where I broke down Mathew 24:40-41, one of the passages often tied to the rapture (read it here).
I’m thrilled to keep the momentum going. This week, we’ll explore another scripture that has colored the discourse around this highly debated doctrine. Ready? Let’s jump in!
I grew up in a Pentecostal church where the people were inclined to sing "I've Got a Mansion Over the Hilltop." The lyrics of this song were about yearning for a rapture—the belief that Jesus would one day “catch away” the saints prior to a "Great Tribulation." Amid life’s ugliness and pain, Jesus would transport the embattled believers to a better place—a mansion prepared in heaven.
The imagery for this old Pentecostal song comes directly from John 14:2-3, as rendered in the King James Version:
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
On the surface, this seems to align with rapture theology—Jesus returning to whisk his followers away to a heavenly dwelling. But is that truly what the Lord was saying here? Could there be a richer, more profound meaning beneath these familiar phrases? I believe there is. Let’s take a closer look.
The Context of John 14:2-3
When we consider the context of John 14:2-3, a different picture emerges—one that shifts our focus from an otherworldly evacuation to a present and profound reality. Jesus isn’t preparing his disciples for escape but inviting them into something richer: a life of deep, abiding fellowship with the Father.
The "dwelling place" Jesus refers to isn’t about leaving earth; it’s about genuinely aligning with God’s presence. Jesus Himself modeled this life—living in intimate communion with the Father, empowered by the Spirit.
In this portion of John, Jesus reveals his mission: to open the door for his followers to share in the same transformative connection with God that he has enjoyed. His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Spirit make this life possible—not in some distant future but in the here and now.
When Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you,” he isn’t describing heavenly mansions or a secret rapture. Instead, he is preparing the way for believers to experience unbroken, intimate fellowship with God. The cross, the empty tomb, and the gift of the Holy Spirit make it possible for believers to walk in the presence of God here on earth.
This passage isn’t just about the future; it’s about what was being done to bring about a Spirit-filled life today. Jesus is preparing his early disciples—and us—for a life where the boundaries between heaven and earth blur, where God’s presence saturates every moment.
Mansions, Dwelling Places, and Abodes
To fully grasp what Jesus meant in John 14:2-3, it's helpful to look further into the chapter where his message becomes clearer:
"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him" (John 14:23).
The word “abode” in this verse is the same Greek term translated as “mansions” in John 14:2 (KJV) or “dwelling place” (NASB). The connection is unmistakable: Jesus isn’t referring to physical structures or homes in heaven but to a spiritual reality. The promise is that through the Holy Spirit, the Father and the Son will make their dwelling within the hearts of those who love and obey Him. This means believers can experience the intimate and life-transforming presence of God here and now.
This passage isn’t about escape; it’s about transformation. Jesus is positioning his followers for a new way of living—one marked by intimacy with God and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. Jesus reveals that after his atoning sacrifice on the cross, the abiding presence of the Spirit will unite believers with God, becoming their source of life.
The entire Upper Room discourse (John 14-16) reinforces this theme. Jesus speaks of abiding in the vine, the indwelling Spirit, and the life-changing empowerment that comes from this glorious connection. Far from an evacuation plan, this is an invitation to engagement—a life that reflects God’s kingdom here on earth.
Dwelling With the Father While Still Living on Earth
Jesus isn’t talking about a rapture or accessing real estate in the sky; he’s describing an immediate, transformative relationship. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the Father and Son make their home in the heart of every believer. Men and women are being positioned to live in the presence of the Lord while still residing on earth.
You don’t have to wait to be carried off to heaven to experience this wondrous “dwelling place.” You can step into the Spirit-filled life now. Jesus has already done the work! The cross, the empty tomb, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit have prepared the way.
Some have used John 14:2-3 to support rapture theology, but this passage is not about an evacuation from creation. Much like Matthew 24:40-41 it cannot be used to defend a doctrine of escape. Instead, it reveals Jesus facilitating the earthly invasion of the Spirit (see John 14:25-26; 15:26-27).
Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore a few other scriptures often associated with the rapture: Revelation 4:1, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. Together, we’ll wrestle with these texts, allowing Scripture—not tradition or popular interpretation—to guide us.
This post is part three in an ongoing series.
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Love this new out of the box thinking.. John 17:22. Jesus is praying for unity. Us in Him, He in the Father. Intangled, all messed up together. If I read this prayer correctly, it is for now,not when we die, or ratured. I look forward to future blogs. Thanks JD.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to you ALL
It's not about escape this earth it is about bring heaven to earth. Do tired of the escape doctrine. No truth in it at all thank you for your words
This is such a deep wonderful relationship we can have with Jesus now. It is sad so many are looking for a place of escape not such a present reality.