Where is your citizenship? No, I am not asking if you are a naturalized citizen of your country. I am not asking if you are African, French, German. According to the Bible, there are only two citizenships—that of the world, and that of heaven; the kingdom of darkness, and the kingdom of light. In which of these do you hold citizenship? To which one of these do you belong?” So go the questions posed by Reverend Carl Haak in his 1997 sermon, rhetorically titled, “Our Citizenship Is in Heaven.”
The apostle Paul authoritatively proclaims that all true believers “are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own” (Philippians 3:20-21). “For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).
As one commentator has said: “The Bible looks upon the church as an outpost on the earth of the kingdom of God in heaven.” And the Reverend Charles Spurgeon illustrated the meaning of heavenly citizenship through the example of an English citizen living in America. “Though he lives in America and trades there, yet he is an alien and does not belong to that afflicted nation.”
As citizens of heaven and “temporary residents and foreigners” on earth (1 Peter 2:11), we have privileges and responsibilities. We also have an obligation to shine for Christ while remembering that we are reflecting the very kingdom of heaven.
More:
You must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ (Philippians 1:27).
Next:
What does citizenship in heaven mean to you? How can you better reflect the kingdom of heaven to others?
tealwonder94 on July 4, 2009 at 9:23 am
We do have “privileges and responsiblities” and “an obligation to shine for Christ.” They really go hand-in-hand. One of our responsiblities is to share Christ’s love with others as He loves us. This, of course, is one way to shine for Christ. While verbally sharing the Gospel with others is important, so, too, is living as a citizen of heaven shown through our actions.
I’m not always so good at this, but I do keep striving to accurately reflect God’s kingdom.
dr.lightsey on July 4, 2009 at 10:48 am
As “citizens of heaven” we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Not only are we a part of the royal family but we also are entitled to our Father’s blessings and favor. These blessings and favor are rewards of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
elisau on August 7, 2009 at 7:39 am
I’m a Kingdom builder… are you?
Great article! So many people think it’s enough to say that they’ve believed Jesus for salvation yet there is no change in the way they live their lives.
My family thinks I go overboard with my faith because I actually enjoy talking about God and what he has done in my life. They don’t understand why I waste my time reading the Bible or going to church.
For me, it’s what a “saved” person looks like.