This relationship is generally understood to mean not only those still in earthly life , but also to those who have gone past death to be `` at home with the Lord '' ( 2 Corinthians 5:8 ) . This relationship is generally understood to extend not only to those still in earthly life , but also to those who have gone past death to be `` at home with the Lord '' ( 2 Corinthians 5:8 ) .