Residence Or Citizenship? – Part 3

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ[.] Philippians 3: 20, NKJV.

Dear God, please bless our study as we come seeking Your face. This we ask in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

As we continue with our study today, we will be looking closely at the end of verse 12, “but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Emphasis provided. The phrase lay hold (some versions render it, apprehend) in this verse, carries with it an athletic connotation, that of one preparing one’s self, with exercise and discipline, in order to obtain, or lay hold on, or seize – the prize. It sounds as if the apostle is saying:  God seized me with a purpose. I will continue on until I seize that [prize] for which Christ seized me. You may have to read this several times until it finally sinks in. Perhaps as we look at it in its broader setting it will all finally, come together.

Let us call to mind the story of Paul’s conversion (Acts 9). God met him on the road to Damascus as he was galloping madly on his way to arrest, and cast in prison, anyone who was a follower of Christ. It was then that Christ laid hold on him (seized him) and separated him to be the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11: 13; 2 Timothy 1: 11). And we know that Paul did that bidding to the best of his ability. At times it would appear as if he over-did it, because of his zeal in his new found faith in Christ Jesus, who was now the Lord of his life.

But there is a bigger picture in the life of everyone who has been called by God, to do a work for Him. In the book of Romans this bigger picture is made very plain. We read:  “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8: 29, 30). Emphasis provided.

Paul, as well as everyone who responds to Christ’s call, have been predestined to eternal life. By accepting the sacrifice of His blood, they choose eternal life. Jesus “[fore]knows those that are His” (2 Timothy 2: 19). He does not select certain people for salvation. He knows those who will accept Him. We select Him and are saved! “[W]hoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3: 16b)! That is the big picture! As Christ lays hold on us and sets us apart as His, we respond to His Holy Spirit, and by His grace, and in His strength, we live for Him. Then one day, as citizens of His kingdom, we will be glorified with Him.  

Are you willing to claim your heavenly citizenship today? He is more than willing to accept you into His kingdom!