…you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.
Did you know that if you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world, but instead you are a citizen of heaven? The Bible clearly tells us that we are not of this world and that are citizenship is in heaven. This should be wonderfully encouraging to us as believers.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
I was born in the United States and therefore, I have the rights, privileges and responsibilities that go with being a citizen of this country. My paternal grandparents on the other hand were born in Northern Italy and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s.
Once here they became citizens and received all the rights that a US citizen enjoys. They were able to vote, protected from deportation and guaranteed rights under the constitution. But, they also had to accept certain responsibilities and make sacrifices. They swore to uphold and obey the law. They renounced their birth country and pledged allegiance to their new country.
We are all born a citizen of this world. But, if you have become a Christian by faith in Jesus Christ, then you have been born again, (See John 3:1-21) and your citizenship has changed.
The Bible confirms that as a Christian you are not a citizen of this world.
Jesus said in John 17:16, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:14 says, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (NLT)
1 Peter 2:11 says, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.” (MSG)
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become members of His kingdom. We surrender our lives to His Lordship and rule.
Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (NIV)
The Christian is a citizen of heaven. Even though we are in the world and deal with temptation, suffering and trials, we are not to live and respond as the world does.
We renounce the ways of the world and pledge our loyalty to Jesus and His Kingdom.
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we receive privileges and accept responsibilities that come with our citizenship. In return, we have our King’s protection, favor and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t already, you can accept Jesus Christ and become a citizen of heaven. If you do, then you can face eternity with confidence.
The Bible tells us that there is no place like heaven.
Revelation 21:4 says, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV)
There will be no more suffering, death or pain in heaven.
We can enjoy being a citizen of heaven now and look forward to going there one day.
Jesus said in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (ESV)
There is sufficient room in the Father’s house and Jesus left to prepare a place for us.
Have you accepted Jesus Christ and are you a citizen of heaven?
Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below. Do you like the fact that you are not a citizen of this world? How does it feel to be a citizen of heaven?
Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!
“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven, you are a citizen of heaven trying to make your way through this world.” | CLICK TO TWEET
Additional resources about related subjects on this site:
NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth