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But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20, ESV).
Those who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior are citizens of heaven, but none of us are naturalized citizens.
We were born again.
My parents were citizens of heaven, but their profession of faith did not provide me citizenship into the Kingdom of heaven. I was an alien and stranger until I decided to follow Jesus.
We all were.
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
As citizens, there’s a problem with becoming comfortable as followers of Jesus. We too easily forget the grace of Jesus.
Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11, NASB1995).
A seeming conflict: though no longer aliens and strangers, we are still to be aliens and strangers. But the amazing readers of Interruptions aren’t stymied by this mystery as we know citizenship in heaven means to revoke our identity with the world.
Now, let’s allow thoughts of being aliens and strangers on earth to simmer for a minute or two.
Considering immigration in America (and since it’s been a difficult topic in Springfield, Ohio), is there any comparison of Haitian immigration (and all immigration) and believers as immigrants in the Kingdom?
First, we have received grace that should be extended to others. It’s an
epitome of hypocrisy, receiving salvation for eternity by grace and then failing to give grace to others.
Second, the Kingdom rises above borders and race. We are brothers and sisters in Christ and follow the same Lord.
Third, the Great Commission commands the citizens of heaven to extend help through the discipling of all nations.
When Abraham, our father of faith, from his home city of Ur, was called by God to become an alien and stranger in a land that became Israel, he needed faith as the promises of God to become the father of nations took a while — about 25 years.
And then it was only through one son.
I’ve been in the Philippines for the last three weeks. In thirty years of traveling internationally, I’ve often explained, “I’m from Springfield, Ohio. That’s Springfield in Ohio, not Illinois or Massachusetts.”
Not this time. I had Filipinos ask me, “Are you from Springfield, Ohio?” I answered yes, and I’m proud of it.
I’m a citizen of the USA, Springfield, Ohio, and of His Kingdom!
The solution for appropriate immigration practices seems distant and complex. Wisdom and faith are needed, and understanding our joint “alien and stranger” status in His Kingdom should provide humility and love for one another.
I’m an alien and stranger, and you are too. Let’s also be aliens and strangers to divisive language and actions.