2) In my Father’s house are many dwelling places: if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 (GNV)
God cannot lie, it is not in His nature. Everything about Him is true and trustworthy.
In fact, Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life.” (Jn. 14:6) Not only that, but He is always true. He is true now and He will always be true. (Ps. 119:160)
There is no variableness or shadow of turning in Him. (Jas. 1:17) Jesus even said to God the Father in one of His farewell prayers that “thy word is truth” and that we are sanctified through God’s truth. (Jn. 17:17)
Because Jesus, His words and His plans are all true, He did not need to add an extra qualifier to His words above (“if it were not so”).
Jesus did not need to say what He said in order to make His words more true, not at all. So why did He say that “if it were not so, I would have told you”?
Because He knows us and He loves us so much that He wants us to be certain about everything that pertains unto life.
He knows that we struggle with unbelief and doubt. Also, He knows our predisposition to fear.“His clear promise about heaven is why our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and eternal.“
So, He went an extra step further to ensure that we are comforted by His promise of heaven. He wanted to cast out fear regarding the topic.
In fact, in verse 1 He told the disciples “Let not your heart be troubled.” (Jn. 14:1)
His clear promise about heaven is why our inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and eternal. (1 Pet. 1:4)
In short, Jesus said what He said to comfort us. In fact much of the fourteenth chapter of John centers around topics of comfort.
These include the guarantee of heaven and eternal life for believers, the promise of the Holy Spirit as our comforter and the promise of ultimate and lasting peace through salvation.
His words are truly sweeter than honey, and they are a lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths. (Ps. 119:103, Ps. 119:105)
This amazing chapter of scripture underscores just how much God cares about us. He knows us. He knows we get scared and He knows you get scared.“God’s word alone needs to be the only source from which we draw all conclusions from about all matters that pertain unto Christianity.”
While we must have faith, we are also fallible and need to rely on God’s own fully trustworthy words instead of our own fears or ways. (Prov. 3:5-6) This is why Jesus also went to such great lengths to speak with clarity.
It goes without saying then that God’s word alone needs to be the only source from which we draw all conclusions from about all matters that pertain unto Christianity.
God loves us so much. He prepared the way to eternal life for us through His death for our sins. He also ensured that eternity with Him is real.
In fact, He is busy right this very moment preparing a place for you, for me and for all those who believe in Him.
Rest securely in Him and in His words of promise. You have not just a permanent and eternal home in heaven. You have a “dwelling place” waiting for you with God for all eternity. A place to live with Him where you will see Him as He is. (1 Jn. 3:2)
He wants you to know that His promises are true. Do not take my word for it, take His word and run with it, and remember, it if were not so, He would have told you. Soli Deo gloria!