Citizens of Heaven
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20
The world accepts those who are the same, but is changed by those who are different. Next time you look at your passport, you will notice that as a citizen, you have certain rights and privileges from your country. In the United States, citizens enjoy benefits such as being allowed to pass through borders and territories without undue delays or obstacles. The State Department also gives help and aid to citizens at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. However, as much as we appreciate the benefits and privileges of our citizenship on earth, is it possible that the children of God can forget that they are also citizens of heaven, which comes with certain heavenly benefits as well?
In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he reminds its members that beyond their citizenship in Rome, they also have a heavenly citizenship. I wonder how our most stressful days and difficult moments would be transformed if we remembered that we have certain benefits as citizens of heaven. Our earthy citizenship may allow us to pass through borders, but our heavenly citizenship gives us access into the very throne room of God (Heb. 4:16). Our earthly citizenship may provide us with help at the nearest embassy, but our heavenly citizenship allows us to run to a heavenly embassy, for God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of need (Ps. 46:1). Our citizenship in heaven would remind us that when the enemy throws agonizing accusations our way, we can rest in the assurance that we have an advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ the righteous who will defend us (1 Jn. 2:1). Repeatedly, the Bible highlights that our citizenship in heaven comes with tremendous benefits which are a source of great hope.
In Philippians, Paul’s counsel is clear. As people took pride in being citizens of Rome because of its benefits, Christian’s can possess the peace and assurance that comes with having their citizenship in heaven. Put simply, a Christian’s countenance suggests their place of residence. The character of meekness, humility, kindness, confidence, and love all point to where our citizenship resides. By remembering where our citizenship lies, it can also inspire onlookers to seek their own heavenly citizenship in the kingdom of God; however, being a citizen of heaven does not mean we will not face challenges.
Being a citizen of heaven means Christians are called to be different. Just as people can experience the bitter pain of rejection and criticism because of differences in customs or traditions, you may also have experienced the pain of loneliness or the bitterness of not belonging because of your heavenly convictions. However, like Moses the outcast from Egypt, Daniel, who was delivered to lions because of His faith, or Esther, who appealed to the king amid her people’s looming destruction, Christ reminds us that our citizenship in heaven is making an eternal difference on earth. Ellen White states, “Let God’s workers be witnesses for Him, in every word and act testifying that they are citizens of heaven.”[1] Even though the world accepts those who are the same, it is changed by those who are different. May you find tremendous hope today in that as a citizen of heaven, all of heaven’s benefits are yours, and you are making an eternal difference on this campus, in your community, and around the world.
REFLECTION
When you think about your earthly passport and its benefits, how does it compare to the privileges of your heavenly citizenship?
How does the image of God as a “heavenly embassy” shape the way you think about prayer and seeking refuge?
In what ways can your heavenly citizenship inspire others around you to seek God’s kingdom?
How does the understanding that “the world accepts those who are the same, but is changed by those who are different” challenge or encourage you today?
