“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself” (Phil 3:17-21).

There are only two realms or two destinations: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. Therefore, there are two types of people: the citizens of heaven (who belong to the Kingdom of God) and the enemies of the Cross of Christ (the unrepentant unbelievers who go to hell). The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of the Kingdom of God. The devil, also called ‘the god of the belly’ is the king of this world. His followers go with him to hell. Salvation is by Grace, thru faith in Christ crucified and resurrected. Once the sinner truly repents and surrenders his life to Christ, the miracle of conversion happens. He becomes a child of God, born again by the Holy Spirit. He immediately becomes a citizen of heaven!!!

For example, naturally, if you want to become a citizen of a great country like America, you must fulfill some conditions before you apply. They may approve your application or not. Most people get residency first, before getting citizenship. A resident is someone who has established a residence in a country. Residence is usually for a limited time, to work or to study in that country. A resident is no longer a tourist, but a legal alien. A resident can freely travel in and out of that country, but he can be denied re-entry if he has not fulfilled some conditions, like living a certain amount of time there, working and having an accommodation in that country. A citizen is different. He belongs to that state. Unlike residents, the citizens have full rights, privileges and responsibilities defined by that country’s laws. For example, the citizens have the right to vote, to participate in politics, receive education, health, legal assistance and protection. The citizens can pass their citizenship to their children. They can receive a passport. Citizenship is a for lifetime. The citizens do not have to fulfill any conditions to retain their citizenship like living or working in that country.

But the citizenship of heaven is different. It’s a birth-right gift, given to all those who are saved. Once their eyes open to the new reality of eternal life, they immediately recognize they now have a new King and totally submit to Him. Rebellion against the King is punished. This citizenship is right now, at this present moment: “our citizenship IS in heaven”. It is not ‘it will be in heaven’. Spiritually, we are now sited as kings in the heavenly places. “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 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” (Eph 2:4-6). We are right now raised and seated together with Christ in the heavenly places. When King Jesus comes again, He will change our humble weak bodies with spiritual bodies, like His own. He has the power to change everything to be the way He wants it to be. Even now, King Jesus has the power ‘to subdue all things to Himself’. To subdue it means to totally defeat an enemy, to bring him under His control by the power of His will. By faith, we believe that our bodies must submit to the will of Christ. Lessons: All sickness must leave, at the name of Jesus! As a citizen of heaven, you have the right to claim all God’s Promises in Christ. No more anxiety about your standing before God in prayer. You have the assurance of salvation manifesting as confidence in prayer! Amen!

This is a glimpse of what is and what is not in heaven: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away… 8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Rev 21:4,8). We must live to please Jesus Christ, our God and King. We must worship God in Spirit and in Truth. As citizens we have rights and privileges. The greatest privilege is having direct access to His presence, before the Throne of Mercy and Grace. In His name, we exercise authority in prayer. We are His ambassadors and Key-Holders in His Kingdom. When we were sinners, we lived under the Law. Now, we live under a greater Law. It is the Law of Love and Liberty manifested under King Grace. Praise the Lord!