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 22 of 24

A BETTER SUBSTANCE IN HEAVEN

Early in the history of the church, God's people began to suffer rejection and opposition by the world. This was not coincidence. For a short season, they enjoyed "having favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47). But that was short-lived. Their heavenly citizenship, as confirmed by their spiritual demeanor, could not long be tolerated by the world. Soon the words of Jesus came to pass, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33).

Those early believers were resilient when their homes were ravaged and their goods confiscated. It was their citizenship in heaven that made the difference. The Spirit addresses these believers in a manner that confirmed their faith. "For ye . . . and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (Heb 10:34).

Were it not for their heavenly citizenship, and the enduring possessions reserved for them there, they would not been so strong. They knew "in themselves" that what they had in heaven was better than what they had on earth! The phrase "knowing in yourselves" connotes a personal and gratifying persuasion. This is type of awareness experienced by the woman healed of an issue of blood. The Spirit says of her, "knowing what had happened to her" (Mark 5:33). It was a personal and experiential knowledge.

To know you have "in heaven a better and enduring substance" is to be persuaded that your name is written in heaven--that you are a citizen of heaven. This is knowing the One you have believed, and being persuaded He is able to keep what you have committed to Him against "that day" (2 Tim 1:12).

Those who have been regenerated were "begotten . . . to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet 1:4). Our citizenship in heaven comes with an inheritance. It is reserved for us while we are being "kept by the power of God through faith." You do well to ponder your citizenship!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You through Jesus Christ for heavenly substance that is better than the earth's best.

-- Tomorrow: WHEN OUR CHANGE COMES --