Sermon Tone Analysis

Does the Bible teach that we all get mansions one day in heaven?

Does anyone have a KJV or NKJV translation?

Can you read John 14:1-2

This is the only time the word “mansions” appears in the KJV or the NKJV.

What word do the modern translations use?

Parallel

place to stay n.

— a hospitable area (within a house or building) where a person can remain for a period of time.

② a place in which one stays, dwelling(-place), room, abode

Why did the KJV translators use the word “Mansions” instead of rooms or dwelling place?

What do normal English speakers in our culture today understand the word “Mansions” to mean?

Is this the definition most readers of the KJV or NKJV will give to this word in John 14:2?

Has this effected our theology at all?

I'm satisfied with just a cottage below

A little silver and a little gold

But in that city where the ransomed will shine

I want a gold one that's silver lined

… I've got a mansion just over the hilltop

In that bright land where we'll never grow old

And some day yonder we will never more wander

But walk on streets that are purest gold

What meaning of “mansions” did Ira F. Stanphill have when he wrote this song?

So why did the KJV translators use this word?

Were they being inaccurate?

Oxford English Dictionary: “Each of a number of separate dwelling places or apartments in a large house, group of buildings, etc.

Also in extended use.

Now usually archaic as a translation of, or in allusion to, John 14:2

This was the meaning of the word “mansions” 400 years ago.

Back then it mean dwelling places or rooms.

But, the problem is that language changes.

That is not the way “mansions” is used today.

This is a great reason why it is so wonderful that we have many good modern translations today.

The problem with the word “mansions” is what Mark Ward calls “False Friends.”

This is a perfect example of a false friend.

Do you know what the word mansion means?

Yes.

Most English speaking people know the word mansions.

What is the problem then?

Because they think they know what the word mansions means they never pause or take the time to figure out what it actually means.

Example: Do you know the following words?

​Deliquescent: Adjective: Becoming liquid, or having a tendency to become liquid.

Loquacious: Adjective: Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.

Penumbra: Noun: The partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object.

What do you do when you stumble upon a word you know you don’t know?

You take the time and look it up, and discover the meaning.

Mansion: Noun: a large, impressive house.

Because you think you know the definition of the word mansion, you never do what?

You never even stop and take the time and look it up to discover what the Bible actually says.

Does this impact our theology?

What is the meaning historically associated with John 14:2 and the incorrect idea of the word mansions?

How does the meaning of the verse change when we put the intended word, or translation, in its place?

What simple truth is Jesus trying to communicate?

“Fear not.

There is room enough in heaven.”

—J.C.

Ryle

Jesus did not promise us mansions!

Actually, what he promises us is infinitely better!

What does it mean that Jesus promised to go to prepare a place for you?

I used to think that Jesus went up to heaven and started building mansions for everyone.

It was weird to me to think that Jesus returns to the splendor of heaven only to put his carpentry skills to use.

So what does it mean?

If Jesus is comforting the disciples by telling them there are many rooms, that there is room enough in heaven, then in what way did Jesus prepare a place for them?

“It is not that [Jesus] arrives on the scene [in heaven] and then begins to prepare the place; rather, in the context of Johannine theology, it is the going itself, via the cross and resurrection, that prepares the place for Jesus’ disciples.”—D.A. Carson, Pillar NT Commentaries

“And if he takes such trouble, all to prepare a place for his own, it is inconceivable that the rest should not follow: I will come back and take you with me that you also may be where I am.” —D.A. Carson, Pillar NT Commentaries

This is so much better than a mansion!

My hope is not a large impressive house one day.

My hope is to be with Jesus!

I will one day live for ever with Jesus!

I know this because Jesus has already prepared the way for me, by means of his death and resurrection.

And since he has taken so much effort to prepare the way already, I can be sure that he will come again and will take me to Himself, so that where Jesus is I may be also!

Eternal fellowship with Jesus my Savior is better than any mansion- even if it is lined with silver and gold!

The dwelling place of men will be with God!

We do have wonderful hymns that express this exact theology.

In fact we sang one this morning.

O come, Thou Key of David, come

And open wide our heav'nly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And show the path that brings us nigh.

Rejoice!

Rejoice!

Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Jesus has already made safe the way that leads on high, He has already shown us the path that brings us nigh.

What a cause for rejoicing!

Thomas as well did not immediately understand what Jesus was talking about, and he didn’t get caught up on the word mansions!

There are many rooms in God’s House.

Jesus has already prepared a place for you.

He has already made a way for us to go and dwell with God forever.

The dwelling place of man shall be with God, and one day, when God makes a new heaven and a new earth, the dwelling place of God will be with men.

In that day, truly the ransomed will shine, for Christ will be our light.

And we will reign with God and with the Lamb forever and ever.

We also have good hymns that speak of this theology as well (although we have a lot of bad ones too).

This is my Father’s world;

O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong,

God is the Ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world;

The battle is not done.

Jesus Who died shall be satisfied