Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Philippians 3:20 – New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
A Christian is one who is born again: that is, one who has accepted the birth, death, resurrection and ascension of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. And has made HIM not just their SAVIOUR, but also LORD over their lives. The Christian is one whose citizenship is not of this world but that of Heaven. Although we physically live in this world, we are from Heaven – Zion because just as the scripture puts it in Ephesians 2:5-6, “even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
There is a proverb that says, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. This means conforming to the standards expected by the people, culture, rules, and laws of that land. This way, you obtain the peace and prosperity associated with that land. Jesus Christ came into this world to reconcile us to Our Father and, as a consequence, to enable us to enjoy all of HIS promises of salvation: a glorious life on earth and in heaven (John 10:10). To experience these blessings requires the Christian to comport themselves as citizens of heaven. This means the words of our mouth, actions, & lifestyle should conform and represent that of Christ Jesus. The Holy Scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for training & instruction in righteousness, that the Christian may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work that GOD has prepared even before the foundations of this world (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
One cannot be a citizen of a nation and expect to get positive results – the blessings, the rights, and the privileges of that nation – if they do not conform to the instructions, principles, order & directions of that nation. Diligent knowledge (Hosea 4:6) of the scriptures will enable us to bask in the covenant and promises of our Heavenly FATHER. A life that conforms and is worthy of a citizen of heaven. Remember, we are not of this world; we are only ambassadors of CHRIST in this world. 2 Corinthians 5:20 – So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.
Our Heavenly Father is making us in Christ Jesus a church without blemish or spot, ready for the rapture. Let us therefore continue to be fervent in spirit, working out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing we shall be rewarded for our obedience to Christ Jesus (our LORD & SAVIOUR) and every good work we do here on earth. And as citizens of heaven, we represent our Heavenly FATHER – the most HIGH GOD. We must therefore not conform to this world but act accordingly as representatives of Jesus Christ on earth (Romans 12:1-2). 1 John 4:17 (NLT) – And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Scripture meditation
John 17:16; Psalms 15; James 1:21-24; Colossians 1:12-14; & 2 Corinthians 3:3.
Prayer
Glorious FATHER, I thank You for blessing me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. Thank You for the Grace of Your WORD and Your SPIRIT that transforms me into the express person of Christ Jesus. I receive the Grace to be an ambassador of Your kingdom on earth, bearing good fruits worthy of Your Kingdom. I enjoy all the privileges of being your child and heir according to the promise. In JESUS’ NAME. Amen!
Confession
I am a citizen of heaven representing Christ Jesus on earth!