our citizenship is in heaven meaning

Because of our profession of faith in Christ, our conduct should be different than those who do not know God, and our primary focus should be on eternal things rather than worldly or temporal passions. Our Commerce Is in Heaven. Philippians 3:17-21 New King James Version (NKJV) Our Citizenship in Heaven. This identifies one with that particular community. Paul prefaced this statement by exhorting the Philippian church to imitate him and to follow those who set the same example. But the kingdom which will come from heaven will take place on earth during the Millennium (Revelation 20), and on the New Eart… This contrasts those who mind the earthly things (vs 19). You can be born a citizen of the United States, but you must be born again to become a citizen of Heaven. Rather than having an expectation for the things of this world, we have an eager expectation for the return of our Savior. As we pass through this life, we celebrate the life of (name of person), knowing that one day You shall transform their lowly body that it may be conformed to Your glorious body. Most every person is born a citizen of a political state or country where they have identity, rights, protections, and share in a certain culture, mores, and values. This is vitally important for each one of us to know. Additionally, we are told in the Bible that each person is also born into the kingdom of this world where Satan rules (2 Corinthians 4:4) and is therefore enslaved as a member of that culture, taking part in Satan's values and practicesânamely rebelling against God (Romans 6:16; Genesis 3:1; 1 John 2:16). As citizens of heaven, Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). And this morning we’ll explore what that means–and what it doesn’t mean. According to The MacArthur Study Bible notes, “Citizenship refers to a colony of foreigners…we belong to the kingdom under the rule of our heavenly King and obey heaven’s laws.”, When speaking of being citizens of heaven, Gregory Brown said, “People should be able to identify us as citizens of heaven because of the clothes (righteousness, patience, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and love) that we wear, the attitudes we display. We do not set our hearts on the things of this world nor do we store up treasure where moth and rust can destroy. Any public measures, administration of the state, and the condition of life of the citizen. Being a citizen of heaven leaves us as sojourners in this world. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. In the New Testament, the state itself, community, commonwealth is used metaphorically of Christians in reference to their spiritual community and their status as citizens of heaven.” Merriam Webster, defines citizen as “an inhabitant of a city or town, especially one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman.” IV. For instance, one of the most popular books on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble is a book titled 90 Minutes in Heaven, written by a Baptist pastor named Don Piper. She is a wife to Nicholas and a mother to Anabel and Ephraim. We have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As citizens of heaven, we are free from the wrath of God. What Is Heaven Like According to the Bible? Do miracles prove Jesus’ divine mission? Most every person is born a citizen of a political state or country where they have identity, rights, protections, and share in a certain culture, mores, and values. We are a new creation, and the old has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17). Verse of the Day Isaiah 61:7. No, what really counts is that our citizenship is in heaven. Essentially, living here on … Our residence, our community, our form of government, which includes our rights, privileges and responsibilities, are all in heaven. Visas won’t have to be applied for or passports renewed. Title: ï¿½AX|8ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½Y^02 ï¿½ Ü H`ï¿½"ï¿½ï¿½?jï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½eï¿½ï¿½ï¿½/ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½ Author All rights reserved. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She is passionate about sharing the truth and pointing others back to Jesus Christ through the written Word as the standard of authority for Christian living and instruction while being led by the Holy Spirit into maturity. Writing to the church in Philippi, he says that for Christians, “our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. That is our highest treasure, and no one can take it away from us. Their mind is set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). Summary: As followers of Jesus, our true citizenship is in heaven, ... Just because someone thinks he saw Jesus or an angel in a near-death experience doesn’t mean it’s true. This is the citizenship, the home, and the community that is of ultimate importance, and with Christ as the cornerstone, it is gloriously unshakeable. Adam Clarke Commentary. Whilst we grieve for loved ones, we are assured that our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our home is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Philippians 3:20, NIV: "But our citizenship is in heaven.And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," Philippians 3:20, ESV: "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ," Philippians 3:20, KJV: "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the … But our citizenship is in heaven. The second coming of Jesus Christ will result in the glorification of physical bodies for those in Christ Jesus, and it will be by His power (Philippians 3:21). Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. Citizens conduct themselves in accordance with the country to which they belong. We are to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23). What does it mean for Christians to be in the world but not of the world? What Happens after We Die According to the Bible? Colossians 1:12-13 We believe in the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ while understanding that while present in our mortal bodies, it has not come to fruition. What Does it Mean That Our Citizenship is in Heaven? Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. "Our citizenship", as in the Revised Version. In his letter to the saints at Philippi, the Apostle Paul reminds them of this certainty and promise, “But our citizenship is in heaven. Luke 16:31; What solemn lessons can we learn from the Parable of Dives (the rich man) and Lazarus? We have been given everything — we are co-heirs, citizens of heaven with all the rights and blessings that come with our citizenry. We’re just waiting for the day that our Father, who is in heaven, will send Jesus back for us and take us to the place that is our … What Is the Book of Life? In the New Testament, the state itself, community, commonwealth is used metaphorically of Christians in reference to their spiritual community and their status as citizens of heaven.” Merriam Webster, defines citizen as “an inhabitant of a city or town, especially one entitled to the rights and privileges of a freeman.”. The rights that go with being a citizen involve the final transformation of “our lowly body to be like [Jesus’] glorious body” (vv. We are citizens of heaven and waiting for our bodies to be like the Lord Jesus (vv. Is it the Same as the Lamb’s Book of Life? You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram. A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven. The promise of our citizenship leaves us in a state of now but not yet. Why would God snatch the truth from our mouths? Can Loved Ones Communicate with Us After They’ve Passed? But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 (ESV) Paul reminds us that upon the very moment of salvation, our residency changes from this dark and broken world to the heaven. What does the Bible mean when it calls something sanctified? The believers in Philippi were not merely citizens of the city of Philippi and of the Roman Empire. For our citizenship is in heaven. Our conduct should be characteristic of our heavenly citizenship, as people worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Paul said of them, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. And our attitudes should reflect that truth. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” As citizens of heaven living on … 20-21). What Does it Mean That the ‘Gift of God Is Eternal Life’? 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in … Our position in Christ should affect everything.”. As sojourners, we realize that this world is not our home. And that is the citizenship St. Paul talks about today when he says, “Our Citizenship Is in Heaven.” Yes, our citizenship is in heaven. What does that mean? All who have a living faith in Jesus Christ enjoy an eternal citizenship in heaven even if we do not presently experience the realities of this citizenship in full. According to Ligonier Ministries, “All who have a living faith in Jesus Christ enjoy an eternal citizenship in heaven even if we do not presently experience the realities of this citizenship in full.”. The Bible speaks of those who believed by faith as this. What Is the Meaning of Gehenna in the Bible? 18. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:13,16). 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… Over in the margin it says "commonwealth." 17. It means that our King is in heaven and He will come to us from there. Our citizenship is in heaven. Ultimately, our citizenship in Heaven is all that counts for eternity. A Christian's citizenship is in heaven. Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/bestdesigns. We imitate the nature of Christ. At the same time, we have not yet received our glorified bodies, nor have we realized being seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. The eternal citizenship of believers is “citizenship in heaven.” This does not mean that the kingdom will take place in heaven. Philippians 3:20 (NRSA) But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. The context of this passage is important because prior to Paul’s revelation of this truth, he speaks of those who “walk as enemies of the cross.” These individuals were more concerned about temporal matters and personal pleasure than Christ. The text says, “Our citizenship is in heaven,” and I think we may read it, as though it said, “OUR COMMERCE IS IN HEAVEN.” We are doing business on earth, but still the bulk of our business is with heaven. This means to give our heart to heavenly things, not to the passing things of earth (Col. 3:2). We do not store up treasure where moth and rust can destroy. Our Citizenship Is in Heaven Philippi was a colony of Rome—a part of the Roman commonwealth. What Does it Mean ‘Where Your Treasure Is There Your Heart Is Also’? What does that mean? Our conversation is in heaven - Ἡμως - το πολιτευμα· Our city, or citizenship, or civil rights. Jesus said His … California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. We mind the heavenly things. Copyright 2011-2021 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. "Citizenship" indicates a fellowship or society all living under the same administration, but in this case, not living in the land of their citizenship. Although Paul had obtained Roman citizenship through his family’s history, he came to have another kind of citizenship as well. Citizens adopt the culture and practices of the … Our text is the Epistle for today, from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This declaration of heavenly citizenship created a striking dichotomy between those who are to have an eternal perspective and those who have a worldly perspective. The reminder to each of us as believers in Christ of our heavenly citizenship should encourage us and challenge us daily to walk in such a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). As sojourners, we realize that this world is not our home. We have a King and a High Priest who intercedes on our behalf and who is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). Paul understood what it meant to have his eyes set on eternity and to embrace his citizenship in heaven, and this was his urging to the brothers and sisters at Philippi. I’ve preached around the world, including many places that don’t enjoy the freedom of religion that Americans take for granted. (Psalm 119:43) What can we learn from the 3 characters in Acts 12:1-17, 19? Our citizenship is in heaven. What does it mean that God redeems our pain and sorrows? Heavenly Identity. We are temporary residents, awaiting a heavenly city much like those described in the letter to the Hebrews. How can a Christian be an ambassador for Christ. We are free from the enslavement of sin. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Because if we set our attitudes on heavenly things, then we will not set our minds on earthly things (Philippians 3:19). A Christian's citizenship is in heaven. Those are external matters that are temporary in nature. Actually, the word means "commonwealth." 3:20). And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus spent much of His earthly ministry explaining the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17). Being a citizen of heaven leaves us as sojourners in this world. That’s the word by which it is translated in the American Revised Version. She is the author of NonProphet Woke: The Reformation of a Modern-Day Disciple. This meant more than its being a subject city: Philippi was distinct from other cities in Macedonia in that it was made to be a model Roman city. Dawn Hill is a Christian blogger known as The Lovesick Scribe and the host of The Lovesick Scribe Podcast. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, the Greek word for citizenship means “to behave as a citizen. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, We, as citizens of heaven, do what Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to do, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. This wonderful citizenship grants us the promise of eternal life and glorification through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 20 begins by asserting that we are now a colony of people whose real citizenship is in heaven. Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”. Charles Spurgeon said, “If our citizenship be in heaven, then we are aliens here; we are strangers and foreigners, pilgrims and sojourners in the earth, as all our fathers were.”. Talking about our eternal identity and our eternal home isn’t only for the parents of Third Culture Kids. The original expression, πολιτευμα, rendered conversation, is a word of a very extensive meaning, implying our citizenship, our thoughts, our affections, are already in heaven; or we think, speak, and act, converse with our fellow-creatures, and conduct ourselves in all our intercourse with them, as citizens of the New Jerusalem, and as being only strangers and pilgrims upon earth. We are called to no less as citizens of heaven. Christian Truth. But it is not a “natural born” citizenship. The word properly signifies the administration, government, or form of a republic or state; and is thus used by Demosthenes, page 107, 25, and 262, 27. We trade for trinkets in this land, but our gold and silver are in heaven. As believers in Christ, we are justified before God. Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, a future promise of our eternal security as citizens in the heavenly city. The apostle Paul put it in terms of citizenship: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). What Does it Mean to be Unequally Yoked in Marriage? Romans 6:22 says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”. The Greek word that is used here is politeuma, and the word politeuma – "For our politeuma is in heaven" [ Philippians 3:20] – the word can be translated "citizenship." 3:20 Our conversation - The Greek word is of a very extenslve meaning: our citizenship, our thoughts, our affections, are already in heaven. Citizenship implies governance and responsibility. People's Bible Notes for Philippians 3:20. We have such glorious promises both now and, in the future, to come as citizens of heaven and Christ Jesus as our King. As citizens of heaven, Christians have a higher obligation than to earthly civil rulers. All these people were still living by faith when they died. We are to be holy and blameless before God. Speaking of those who have had that spiritual rebirth, Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). 20–21). To be “spiritually minded” simply means to look at earth from heaven’s point of view. Have had that spiritual rebirth, Philippians 3:20 ) how can a Christian blogger as... On … for our citizenship in heaven Philippi was a colony of Rome—a part the! With all the rights and blessings that come with our citizenry to look at earth from ’. Heaven and he will come to us from there, the Greek word for citizenship means “ behave! We also eagerly wait for a pattern, which includes our rights, privileges and responsibilities, are in... 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