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 10 of 24

MORE THAN A LEGAL MATTER

Believers are "citizens of heaven" in more than a legal sense. They DO rightfully belong to the heavenly ranks by virtue of their identity with Christ Jesus. The writing of their names in heaven is more than a mere technicality. They have been "raised us up together, and made [to] sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6). Their regeneration has made them harmonious with the heavenly realms. Their appetites have been changed, bringing a fundamental desire for the things of heaven. It is their true homeland, and they can no longer be satisfied with the baubles of this present evil world.

Pragmatically speaking, the godly demeanor and attitude of believers are EVIDENCE of their heavenly citizenship. They have a deportment and perspective that come from heaven. Having "tasted of the powers of the world to come" (Heb 6:5), they "have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts." (Gal 5:24). They are not of this world, have chosen to crucify the passions that link them with it, and are seeking a heavenly country.

Those in Christ, as they readily confess, have not yet been made perfect, nor have they attained the fulness of what the Father has reserved for them. It was Paul's faith, not his Apostleship, that moved him to say, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:12-14).

This is another way of saying believers are NOT "enemies of the cross of Christ," and their minds are not dominated by "earthly things." Their God is not their "belly," or earthly appetites, and their end is not "destruction." They are reconciled to God, and are at home in His presence. Their longings are for their Lord, to dwell forever in His presence, behold His beauty, and inquire within His temple. They are really citizens of heaven.

Faith has aligned those in Christ with the eternal realm, where moth and rust does not corrupt, thieves do not break through and steal, and spiritual desires do not pass away. They have enjoyed water from an eternal well, and enjoy walking in the light as their Lord is in the light. They are really citizens of heaven.

For this reason we are admonished, "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 6:11). Think in keeping with your heavenly citizenship. It is real, and is supported by the transformation that has taken place within you. Your longing for heaven, hunger and thirst for righteousness, and desire for His Word are all evidence of your heavenly citizenship. That is why you are discontent with sin, and are earnestly desiring to please the Lord. If you are in Christ, you are really a citizen of heaven.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I praise You through Jesus Christ for deliverance from a merely philosophical religion.

-- Tomorrow: HEAVENLY MINDEDNESS IS THE STANDARD --