CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 6 of 24

THE CENTRALITY OF CITIZENSHIP

Where we belong is a vital aspect of life in Christ. Faith uproots us from the temporal, and plants us in the eternal realm. It removes our affinity with this world, and gives us identity with the world to come. Our text affirms, "For our citizenship is in heaven" (NKJV, NASB, NIV, YLT). The RSV translates it, "our commonwealth is in heaven." The word translated "citizenship" ("conversation" in the KJV) comes from a word that is used only here in the New Testament writings. It means "a community, citizenship--conversation."

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says of this word, "The state to which we belong is heaven. Though absent in body from the heavenly commonwealth, as was Paul from Rome when he asserted his rights, believers still enjoy its civic privileges and protections; sojourners upon earth, citizens of heaven." Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary says, "Just as the city of Philippi was a colony of Rome, so the church at Philippi was a colony of heaven." Vine's Expository Dictionary says, "signifies the condition, or life, of a citizen, citizenship; it is said of the heavenly status of believers, (Phil. 3:20), 'our citizenship (KJV, 'conversation') is in Heaven.' The RV margin gives the alternative meaning, 'commonwealth,' i.e., community."

The King James Version appropriately uses the word "conversation," meaning "manner of life." This word depicts a certain mode of life. That idea is conveyed in Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin. "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts 23:1). This was his demeanor, not a mere obligation he was attempting to fulfill. So it is with those in Christ. Their city, country, and home, is in heaven. They live under the domination of that consideration! They are part of a "general assembly" whose names are inscribed on a heavenly directory. As it is written, we have "come to," or are identified with, "the general assembly and church of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven" (Heb 12:23).

THIS IS OUR BASIC IDENTITY, NOT A SUBORDINATE ONE! It is most unfortunate that the "average" church evidences very little that testifies to this reality. Not only is the commonwealth, or homeland, of believers underplayed, the saints are regularly exposed to methods and techniques that are of this world. As I see it, the contemporary church, by virtue of its earthly emphasis, is actually an obstacle to the people of God. It greatly handicaps them by withholding heavenly food, emphasis, and perspective! There is simply too much world in it.

Our Real Home

Our real home is there, in heaven, NOW! It is not only our future home, but our present one! Glory to God! Our citizenship IS in heaven, not shall be in heaven! The Word of God does not say we shall come to the heavenly Jerusalem, but that we "ARE come" to it (Heb 12:23)! Right now, we are co-citizens of God's household. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph 2:19). This does not speak of earthly identity, but a heavenly one!

Earth cannot satisfy our longings. Our appetites are larger and more demanding than this world's resources or capabilities. When we come into Christ, the world's warehouse shrinks, and its ability dissipates.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, help me to recognize the source of my discontent in this world--my citizenship in heaven.

-- Tomorrow: SOME OF HEAVEN'S CITIZENS --