CITIZENSHIP IN HEAVEN

As aliens and exiles here on earth, we are homeward bound for heaven. We have no permanent citizenship in this world. Although you may hold a passport, birth certificate, or some other document declaring you a citizen of the United States or some other country, the reality is, that as a Christian, your citizenship should be in heaven (Phil 3:20). As the author of the letter to Hebrews tells us, “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

In today’s world there are so many that call themselves Christians but give little thought to what is required to become a citizen of heaven. If you call yourself a Christian and trying to gain citizenship into heaven consider these questions:

Are you following God’s laws?

Have you pledged allegiance to God and His kingdom?

Did you take the necessary steps to gain citizenship to God’s kingdom?

Before we go any further let’s consider what it takes for a refugee to become a citizen of the United States. If a person not born in the United States desires to be a citizen they must follow certain rules and take necessary steps to become one. In order to become an American citizen one must understand what it means to be an American and to know the country’s language and be subject to its government. First and foremost they desire to become a citizen. They desire a better country. They must renounce their former country and pledge allegiance to their new country. There are steps they must take to gain citizenship. One cannot just come to this country and say they are an American and become one.

The same goes for the Kingdom of God. We cannot just say we are a citizen of heaven to become one. Spiritually, we too have also been or maybe still are refugees. We wander this chaotic earth trying to find “home” to understand who we are and what our destiny is. We must plainly declare that we seek a better country, that is a heavenly one, where God is not ashamed to be called our God: for He has prepared for us a city! (Hebrews 11:14-16).

In God’s process of gaining citizenship to His kingdom, we must adopt His ways and laws. We are to take on a new identity when we represent and live in the Kingdom of God. In our process of repentance we renounce what we use to be.

The Bible is the story of God providing a refuge for lost refugees. In His Word He shows us a way of life and gives us a new identity. The apostle Peter proclaims this about becoming a Christian: “Once you were not a people but now you are a people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10).

In order to become a heavenly citizen you must open your Bible and read what God says. Apply it personally, recognizing this is what God requires of you. It is what you can and must do.

Again you cannot just simply say you are a Christian and have citizenship in heaven, you must take the necessary steps to become a Christian and to gain citizenship into heaven.

To understand what steps must be taken see "Plan of Salvation" on this blog.

I offer many Bible studies on my site www.womanofgodinlouisiana.blogspot.com and/or from your home or mine. If interested please contact me anytime :). Text or call (318)450-2148, or email kimlovesjesus@icloud.com.