The descendants of Abraham "confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. They who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they were remembering the land that they had left [Chaldea, Genesis 11:28], they would have had an opportunity to return. But they longed for a better--that is, a heavenly--homeland. God was not ashamed to be called their God, and he has prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:13-16).

Jesus said that "In my Father's house are many dwelling places; . . . I go to prepare a place for" those who believe "in me" (John 14:1-2). "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). When he fulfills his promise to "come again," "every eye will see him" (Revelation 1:7).

In the meantime, when those who believe in Jesus are baptized, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit come invisibly to dwell in their "bodies" (John 14:23; Acts 2:38; 5:32; 1 Corinthians 6:15). Accordingly, since they "have been bought with a price," they are exhorted to "glorify God in" their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20). "Also, I assure you" (said Jesus), "that many will come from the east and west and sit with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in heaven's kingdom" (Matthew 8:11).