Paul begins by restating his confidence (built on the experience of Christ) in the reality of the resurrection (5:1; cf. 4:14; 1 Cor. 15:4, 12–20). Then, taking his teaching one step beyond its formulation in 1 Corinthians 15:35–53, Paul attempts to explain more fully how our earthly tent will be transformed like that of our Lord into “an eternal house in heaven” (5:1; cf. John 2:19–22) to become “our heavenly dwelling” (5:4). The transformation will take place when our bodies receive a new “clothing” (5:2; see also 1 Cor. 15:53). But r…