CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

Memorize

Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

Summary Point

Do you see yourself as a Citizen of Heaven? Or do you even realize that you are from the Commonwealth of Zion. If you can’t, I want you to begin right now to imagine yourself as one whose birth took place in a hospital built from precious stones, on a bright beautiful street of Gold, with absolute peace and tranquility… Well, if it is hard to imagine, it is probably because you do not realize what it means to be a child in the kingdom; bonafide legal sons and daughters of God with full bragging rights.

Citizens of Heaven

Do you know that when you were born again by faith in Jesus Christ, you were born into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 3:2; 7:21; Romans 14:17). As a matter of fact, you were conceived of and born by God Himself. James 1:18 says it is of God’s own will that we were born. 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"

As citizens of God’s kingdom, immediately we were born, we became “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17) who inhabits His Holy Spirit in our spirits, and our bodies are His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20). The Holy Spirit then begins the transformation process of our sinful, worldly desires into those that glorify God (Romans 12:1–2).

Now, can you begin to see yourself as part and eternal citizens of the family where our Father is the King? With this spiritual insight, it is easier to turn our focus toward eternal things and storing up treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19–20). Of course, we would still live meaningful and enjoyable lives on earth but we wouldn’t burn our self out chasing earthly things because we know that we are just ambassadors here.

Ephesians 2:19–21 brings to our awareness that we are fellow citizens in the household of God and we are being built into a habitation for the Lord.While Eph 6:20 lets know that our citizenship makes us automatic ambassadors of God’s kingdom with the responsibility to spread the good news of the kingdom far and wide and minister the new covenant to all and sundry.

As citizens, it behooves on us to make our citizenship evident as emphasized in 2 Peter 1:10–11, “Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, you shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.The clear command is to “make your calling and election sure,” or, as the NIV puts it, “make every effort to confirm your calling and election.” 

Simply put, make it difficult for people, especially unbelievers to refute the fact that you are a child of God.Just the same way you will not find a prince living like a beggar simply because his father is a king is the same way your citizenship should reflect in all you do.

Romans 12-2 puts it this way; do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

It is important that we take heed to Paul’s encouraging words and not make ourselves comfortable with the here and now. We must begin to awaken to our true selves as children of God and Joint Heirs with Christ. I love that!

Do you understand what it means to be a Joint heir with Christ? Take a look at what the Apostle Paul has to say about our relationship with Christ in Romans 8:17, 

According to this verse, we share in the sufferings of Christ now and will share in the glory of Christ later as His “co-heirs” or “joint-heirs.” Isn’t that good news? This is why we need to continually live as responsible and able ambassadors of the Kingdom of God that is eternal and unchanging!

Testimony

After having lived in Japan for over 22 years now, I can begin to understand somewhat how Abraham must have felt when he was considered to be” living like a stranger in a foreign country. And looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9–10).

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s words and understanding on how he encourages us to approach our present and final destination which reads: Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12)

I can really understand the importance of working it out, simply because of where I am now and my own personal experience of living in another country. What I mean is this, even though I was born in America.

I grew up as an American. Most if not all of my wonderful family, friends and relatives are American. And you would think I would feel comfortable returning to America; after all, America is my natural home right? Well, I would agree if you have never traveled or ventured out of your own country even if were for a short time.

However, after having been gone for over two- decades that’s a little different. When I first arrived in Japan, I went through absolute culture shock. Everything was super small, especially after having lived in the Big Star State of Texas. God Bless Texas! 

I couldn’t speak one word of the language.

I remember the first time asking directions to the toilet. What a disaster. However, when I finally found one, it was something like I have never seen before; the actual seat was located in the floor. Not good!That’s when I began to pray one of those old and worn out desperate prayers like, Oh Jesus, please help me Lord get through this one and I’ll serve for the rest of my life. Yeah right! Anyway, to make a long story short, after I had finally begin to settled down and adjust to my new life here in Japan, I begin to realize that life in Japan wasn’t all that bad.

The people here are super polite and courteous towards one another. The transportation is the best in the world and always on perfect time. It was considered to have one of best economies in the world. Also, It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.Most of the food is very light and healthy and don’t even need to own a car. It is almost like living in your on (UTOPIA) a perfect society in which everyone works well with each other and is happy.

I guess I could say, Japan feels more like home now, even when I know in my heart that I am an American. And truth be told, I am proud to be an America. And God Bless America and Japan. However, the truth remains is this; I am eternally proud and grateful to be a Citizen of Heaven even more and I am sure you are too.

What I’m trying to say is this. Whether you are American, Japanese, Korean, German, Canadian, Chinese or whatever, you must now begin to see yourself as a Citizen of Heaven. We have to work hard on our spiritual selves, training our spiritual senses like we train our physical bodies for greater health.

It’s important to remember that going to church is one important activity that we should never give up as mentioned in Hebrews 10:25. However, if we are going to make our election sure and overcome the trapping of this world system, we will need Devine Power.

2 Peter 1:10–11 says, “Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, you shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. The clear command is to “make your calling and election sure,” or, as the NIV puts it, “make every effort to confirm your calling and election.”

Romans 12-2 puts it this way; do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.

This why it is vitally important that we take heed to Paul’s encouraging words to work out our salvation by not getting comfortable with the here and now. We must begin to awaken to our true selves as children of God and Joint Heirs with Christ. I love that. Do what it means to be a Joint heir with Christ. If not, lets then take a look at what the Apostle Paul has to say about our relationship with Christ. In Romans 8:17 Paul says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

According to this verse, we share in the sufferings of Christ now and will share in the glory of Christ later as His “co-heirs” or “joint-heirs.” Isn’t that good news? This Yes, my Brothers and Sisters we will have to work out our salvation every day. Why?

Salvation is NOW! For He says, “at the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “THE ACCEPTABLE TIME,” behold, now is “THE DAY OF SALVATION”

As you begin to allow God to teach you how to obey him Philippians 2:13, I am confident that you will surely begin to awaken and see yourself as you truly are; Citizens of Heaven. Be sure and follow through with the activities in the Action Points section:

Action Points:

1. Exercise your imagination as often as you can and begin to see yourself doing exploits, bold and courageous, unrejected, unashamed. Remember that you are a Citizen of Heaven now.

2. Train yourself to focus on eternity and the things of God. Heb 12:2. Talk about and think about our heavenly home with your friends and family.

3. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. This means that you are reading thinking, believing, receiving, hearing, creating and speaking God’s word 24/7. When you do that, you will gradually get yourself attuned to the culture and nature of your Citizenship and what obtains in your country (Zion). Before you know it, you will start saying with boldness, ‘I am a Citizen of Heaven’, ‘I know who I am’, ‘I know where I’m from’, ‘I know where I am going’ because believing births confession, II Cor 4:13.

4. From now on, begin to see yourself, think, and act and to speak like you are a true Son and Daughter of God, eventually you will start to feel like one. The important thing is who you are before how you feel. Besides as believers, “we walk by faith not by sight” II Cor 5:7

5. From now on, begin to see yourself, think, and act and to speak like you are a true Son and Daughter of God, eventually you will start to feel like one. The important thing is who you are before how you feel. Besides as believers, “we walk by faith not by sight” II Cor 5:7