Philippians 3:20: But Our Citizenship is In Heaven

Philippians 3:20
[20] But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (ESV)

Citizenship was a big deal in the Roman Empire. The rights and privileges that were given to Roman citizens enabled them to live under the rule of law. This enabled a citizen to be treated more fairly than those who were not. The Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen and he referenced that fact when he was unfairly beaten and imprisoned in Philippi:

Acts 16:36–39
[36] And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” [37] But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” [38] The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. [39] So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. (ESV)

Citizenship has rights and privileges. Our citizenship is in Heaven! We are not bound by the whims of men on this Earth. We belong to the King of Kings in Heaven. Think on that for a moment. We are citizens of Heaven. Our citizenship was free for us, but very costly for our Savior who purchased it by his shed blood on the Cross.

So then, how should we live in the light of this information. Should not the reality of our belonging to Jesus affect every decision we make? We do not live for this world any longer. We live for the one who made us a citizen of Heaven. We anxiously await his return. He is coming again. Who is he coming for? All of his citizens.

If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ for salvation you are a citizen of Heaven. Celebrate that reality and may you live life in a way that brings honor to the one who paid for your citizenship.

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