For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ[.] Philippians 3: 20, NKJV.
Dear Heavenly Father, please keep us aware of the fact that we are only pilgrims and foreigners on earth, and that “our citizenship is in heaven.” In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
There is a difference between a resident, and a citizen, of a country. A citizen enjoys privileges and rights that are not available to a resident – for example: voting, or aspiring to certain elected offices such as senator, governor, mayor, or president. At the same time, the country of which he or she is a citizen, is responsible for the protection of that person, and of their rights. There are two ways in which we become citizens of most countries: by birth or by naturalization.
As Christians, I believe we can have a greater appreciation for the process of naturalization and the privileges that it brings with it. We can also appreciate the added responsibility that being a citizen entails. In the time of peace, many non-citizens yearn for the privileges and perks of being a citizen. In the time of war some citizens shrink from the possibility of being drafted into the army of their country. Many Christians face the same challenges in the spiritual realm.
The circumstances that may have led the apostle Paul to make this declaration is what we are going to look at today, and perhaps for a few days to come. Obviously, the problem within the church at Philippi, that is being addressed here, is one of “salvation by works,” versus, “salvation by faith,” in Christ Jesus. The manner in which the apostle begins this third chapter of his epistle suggests this, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. . . For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3: 1-4). Emphasis provided.
At first glance you may ask, what does any of this have to do with citizenship? In a little while you will see that it has everything to do with it. If you observe carefully you will notice that there are two sets of citizens mentioned here, those who are of the flesh and those who are of the Spirit. Those who are of the Spirit, “worship God in the Spirit,” and “rejoice in Christ Jesus.” Those who are of the flesh, “have confidence in the flesh.”
We will refer to those who “worship God in the Spirit” as citizens; and those who “have confidence in the flesh,” as residents. The citizens have a right to everything in heaven. This right has been bought, and paid for, by Jesus Christ. And they have accepted His gift of salvation, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8: 14). As such, their citizenship is in heaven. Those who have confidence in the flesh, “set their minds on the things of the flesh . . . So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (5a, 8). “[T]hey are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things” (Philippians 3: 18b, 19). Emphasis provided.
Jesus the Savior, has made provision for all to become citizens, by grace; “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2: 8, 9). The open invitation is found in John 1: 12, 13, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
So what will it be – residence or citizenship? The choice is ours!