Ephesians 2:19: Citizens

Ephesians 2:19
[19] So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (ESV)

There is an ongoing debate in this country about citizenship.  There are those who want to say that if you made it into this country, regardless of how you got here, you should be granted the rights of citizenship.  There are others who recognize the price that was paid to create this nation, and do not want to have it taken by those who do not value the cost, and enter it the right way.  You may think that this is going to be a political post, but it is not.  We are going to look at how this idea of citizenship relates to what Paul describes as citizens with God's nation.

The Apostle Paul says that those who were purchased by the blood of Christ are the ones who are no longer strangers and aliens.  In fact, they are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.  Even in the time of Paul's writing these words to the Ephesians the Roman Empire had citizenship.  It was important.  You were either born a citizen, or you purchased it at a great cost.  You did not steal it.  You didn't just receive it because you wanted it.  There was a written roll of who was a citizen.

Friend, do you realize that there are many who claim to be citizens of Heaven who have tried to illegally enter?  They have claimed that their own good works are good enough.  They want a citizenship in heaven with no acceptance of Jesus' blood-bought gift of forgiveness.  They are spiritual illegal aliens.  Listen to Jesus' words in John 10:

John 10:1,9,10
[1] “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

[9] I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (ESV)

Many people claim to desire citizenship in heaven.  There is a door to enter that will give us true citizenship in heaven.  Jesus tells us clearly that he is that door.  Enter only by way of him, or you will be forever cast out.  There is no other way to be a citizen of heaven, but by the door of Jesus Christ.  His blood purchased our citizenship, and even grants us sonship. I invite you to the door of Jesus.  Don't try to enter illegally by your own efforts.

Are you a citizen of heaven?  Are you a child of God?  Have you trusted ONLY in the work of Jesus Christ on your behalf?  If so, celebrate your citizenship!  If not, why not ask the Great Shepherd to forgive your sin.  He will gladly open the door and invite you in to his kingdom.  You can be a fellow citizen with all the saints.