citizenship in Heaven

Divine Citizenship

Section Overview

Recognizing that our eternal home is in heaven provides a profound sense of belonging and purpose that transcends temporary worldly circumstances, fostering a focus on spiritual matters (Philippians 3:20, Hebrews 11:13-16). Our new identity shifts our worldview, leading us to abandon social and political influence to live by biblical principles (Ephesians 2:19, 1 Peter 2:11). This eternal perspective enables us to live confidently, prioritizing spiritual values (Colossians 3:1-2, Matthew 6:19-21) and actively following biblical guidance while we await our Savior's return (2 Corinthians 5:20, Titus 2:13). 

Key Teachings & References

1. Our True Homeland: An Eternal Perspective

Believers are no longer "strangers and aliens" on a planet that often feels hostile; we are "fellow citizens" with a secure, eternal home. This heavenly reality provides an anchor for our souls, freeing us from the anxieties of temporary circumstances.

  • A Secure Identity: Our official citizenship is in heaven, and this foundation is where we derive our security and hope (Philippians 3:20).

  • Living as Exiles: Understanding our heavenly home allows us to view ourselves as "strangers and exiles" on Earth, a mindset that prevents us from getting entangled in purely worldly pursuits (Hebrews 11:13–16; 1 Peter 2:11).

  • Members of God's Household: We are no longer lost but are welcomed members of the immediate family and household of God (Ephesians 2:19).

2. Prioritizing Eternal Treasure

A heavenly perspective fundamentally changes our value system. We shift our focus from "laying up treasures on earth"—which can be destroyed or lost—to investing in eternal rewards that last forever.

  • The Mindset Shift: We are called to actively "set our minds on things that are above," intentionally focusing our thoughts and energy on spiritual matters (Colossians 3:1–2).

  • Eternal Investments: Jesus Himself commands us to prioritize "treasures in heaven," a pursuit that reveals where our deepest loyalty and "heart" truly reside (Matthew 6:19–21).

  • The Blessed Hope: Our confident living stems from eagerly "waiting for our blessed hope," which is the glorious return of our Savior Jesus Christ, not the outcome of earthly events (Titus 2:13).

3. Living as Kingdom Representatives

Our divine citizenship does not mean we retreat from the world; it means we engage with it with a distinct purpose. We are not political activists seeking to establish an earthly kingdom, but faithful ambassadors representing our heavenly King.

  • Ambassadors for Christ: We serve as official representatives of God in a foreign land, entrusted with a specific message of reconciliation for the world (2 Corinthians 5:20).

  • Living by Divine Principles: Our allegiance is ultimately to biblical principles over temporary social or political influences, guiding how we interact with all areas of life (1 Peter 2:11).

  • Active Discipleship: The life of a divine citizen involves actively following biblical guidance, showcasing a life aligned with our heavenly home while we await our King's return (2 Corinthians 5:20; Titus 2:13).

Bible References

  • 📜 Philippians 3:20–21

    20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

    📜 Hebrews 11:13–16

    13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

    📜 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,

    📜 1 Peter 2:11

    11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

    📜 Colossians 3:1–2

    1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things on earth.

    📜 Matthew 6:19–21

    19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

    📜 Titus 2:13

    13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

  • 📜 Philippians 3:20–21

    20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

    📜 Hebrews 11:13–16

    13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

    📜 Ephesians 2:19

    19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

    📜 1 Peter 2:11

    11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

    📜 Colossians 3:1–2

    1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

    📜 Matthew 6:19–21

    19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

    📜 Titus 2:13

    13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

  • 📜 Philippians 3:20–21

    20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 

    📜 Hebrews 11:13–16

    13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 

    📜 Ephesians 2:19

    19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 

    📜 1 Peter 2:11

    11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 

    📜 Colossians 3:1–2

    1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 

    📜 Matthew 6:19–21

    19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

    📜 Titus 2:13

    13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

  • 📜 Philippians 3:20–21

    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.

    📜 Hebrews 11:13–16

    13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had been mindful of that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

    📜 Ephesians 2:19

    19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

    📜 1 Peter 2:11

    11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,

    📜 Colossians 3:1–2

    1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

    📜 Matthew 6:19–21

    19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

    📜 Titus 2:13

    13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

  • 📜 Philippians 3:20–21

    20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

    📜 Hebrews 11:13–16

    13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

    📜 Ephesians 2:19

    19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

    📜 1 Peter 2:11

    11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.

    📜 Colossians 3:1–2

    1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

    📜 Matthew 6:19–21

    19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

    📜 2 Corinthians 5:20

    20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”

    📜 Titus 2:13

    13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.

  • 📜 Filipenses 3:20–21

    20 A nossa cidadania, porém, está nos céus, de onde esperamos ansiosamente um Salvador, o Senhor Jesus Cristo. 21 Pelo poder que o capacita a colocar todas as coisas debaixo do seu domínio, ele transformará os nossos corpos humilhados, para serem semelhantes ao seu corpo glorioso.

    📜 Hebreus 11:13–16

    13 Todos estes ainda viviam pela fé quando morreram. Não receberam as coisas prometidas; viram-nas de longe e de longe as saudaram, reconhecendo que eram estrangeiros e peregrinos na terra. 14 Os que assim falam mostram que estão buscando uma pátria. 15 Se estivessem pensando naquela de onde saíram, teriam oportunidade de voltar. 16 Em vez disso, esperavam eles uma pátria melhor, isto é, a celestial. Por isso Deus não se envergonha de ser chamado o Deus deles, pois preparou-lhes uma cidade.

    📜 Efésios 2:19

    19 Portanto, vocês já não são estrangeiros nem forasteiros, mas concidadãos dos santos e membros da família de Deus,

    📜 1 Pedro 2:11

    11 Amados, insisto em que, como estrangeiros e peregrinos no mundo, vocês se abstenham dos desejos carnais que guerreiam contra a alma.

    📜 Colossenses 3:1–2

    1 Portanto, visto que vocês ressuscitaram com Cristo, busquem as coisas que são do alto, onde Cristo está assentado à direita de Deus. 2 Mantenham o pensamento nas coisas do alto, e não nas coisas terrenas.

    📜 Mateus 6:19–21

    19 "Não acumulem para vocês tesouros na terra, onde a traça e a ferrugem destroem, e onde os ladrões arrombam e roubam. 20 Mas acumulem para vocês tesouros no céu, onde a traça e a ferrugem não destroem, e onde os ladrões não arrombam nem roubam. 21 Pois onde estiver o seu tesouro, aí também estará o seu coração."

    📜 2 Coríntios 5:20

    20 Portanto, somos embaixadores de Cristo, como se Deus estivesse fazendo o seu apelo por nosso intermédio. Por amor a Cristo lhes rogamos: Reconciliem-se com Deus.

    📜 Tito 2:13

    13 enquanto aguardamos a bendita esperança: a gloriosa manifestação de nosso grande Deus e Salvador, Jesus Cristo,

  • 📜 Filipenses 3:20–21

    20 En cambio, nosotros somos ciudadanos del cielo, de donde anhelamos recibir al Salvador, el Señor Jesucristo. 21 Él transformará nuestro cuerpo miserable para que sea como su cuerpo glorioso, mediante el poder con que somete a sí mismo todas las cosas.

    📜 Hebreos 11:13–16

    13 Todas esas personas murieron aún ejerciendo la fe. No recibieron las cosas prometidas; más bien, las vieron de lejos y las saludaron, reconociendo que eran extranjeros y peregrinos en la tierra. 14 Al expresarse así, claramente dieron a entender que andaban en busca de una patria. 15 Si hubieran estado pensando en aquella de donde salieron, habrían tenido oportunidad de regresar. 16 Pero ellos anhelaban una patria mejor, es decir, la celestial. Por lo tanto, Dios no se avergonzó de ser llamado su Dios, y les preparó una ciudad.

    📜 Efesios 2:19

    19 Por lo tanto, ustedes ya no son extraños ni extranjeros, sino conciudadanos de los santos y miembros de la familia de Dios,

    📜 1 Pedro 2:11

    11 Queridos hermanos, les ruego como a extranjeros y peregrinos en este mundo que se abstengan de los deseos pecaminosos que batallan contra el alma.

    📜 Colosenses 3:1–2

    1 Ya que han resucitado con Cristo, busquen las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado a la derecha de Dios. 2 Concentren su atención en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra.

    📜 Mateo 6:19–21

    19 »No acumulen para sí tesoros en la tierra, donde la polilla y el óxido destruyen, y donde los ladrones se meten a robar. 20 Más bien, acumulen para sí tesoros en el cielo, donde ni la polilla ni el óxido carcomen, ni los ladrones se meten a robar. 21 Porque donde esté tu tesoro, allí estará también tu corazón.

    📜 2 Corintios 5:20

    20 Así que somos embajadores de Cristo, como si Dios exhortara por medio de nosotros: «En nombre de Cristo les rogamos que se reconcilien con Dios».

    📜 Tito 2:13

    13 mientras aguardamos la bendita esperanza, es decir, la gloriosa venida de nuestro gran Dios y Salvador Jesucristo,

Key Aspects

  • Eternal Hope and Purpose: Believers find their ultimate sense of belonging and purpose in their eternal home in heaven (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:13–16). This security transcends temporary worldly circumstances and frees us from the anxieties of living for an expiring world.

  • Transformed Worldview and Allegiance: The new identity as a divine citizen shifts one's perspective, leading to an ultimate allegiance to biblical principles over fleeting social or political influences (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11). We live in the world, but our authority comes from another Kingdom.

  • Prioritizing Spiritual Values: This eternal perspective enables confident living and the prioritization of spiritual values and heavenly pursuits over earthly distractions (Colossians 3:1–2; Matthew 6:19–21). Our investment strategy shifts from building an earthly legacy to storing up permanent, spiritual rewards.

  • Active Discipleship and Anticipation: The life of a divine citizen involves actively following biblical guidance and serving as an ambassador for Christ while eagerly awaiting the Savior's return (2 Corinthians 5:20; Titus 2:13). We live with intention and expectation, knowing our King is coming back for us.

Section Summary Statement

Embracing "Divine Citizenship" empowers us as disciples to live with a radically transformed worldview, replacing allegiances to temporary political or social lenses with a divine perspective that prioritizes God’s principles (Colossians 3:1–2). This spiritual reality provides a profound sense of belonging and eternal purpose, enabling us to confidently live as sojourners on Earth, joyfully committed to prioritizing heavenly treasures and actively living by biblical guidance as ambassadors, while eagerly awaiting our Savior's return from our true, eternal home in heaven (Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Section Questions

  1. Defining "Citizen": How does understanding that your "citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20) change the way you view local politics or national news headlines?

  2. Living as an Exile: 1 Peter 2:11 calls us "sojourners and exiles." In what specific area of your life this week do you need to remember that you are just passing through?

  3. Treasure Audit: Based on Matthew 6:19-21, where is the majority of your "treasure" currently stored? What is one practical step you can take this week to "lay up treasures in heaven"?

  4. Mindset Matters: What daily habits can you implement to help "set your minds on things that are above" (Colossians 3:2) rather than focusing on earthly stress?

  5. Ambassadorial Conduct: As an "ambassador for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20), how should your behavior at work or school differ from that of non-believers?

  6. The Blessed Hope: How does "waiting for our blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) provide comfort or motivation when facing trials and difficulties in this present world?