Heaven

Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

But our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

To be a citizen of a country means that you are recognized as a qualified, even certified, representative of that country.  That country is your home, your homeland.  You may visit and even live in other countries, but your home country is what you truly call home.  Roman citizenship was very important during the time Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Philippi so readers knew exactly what he was referring to. 

For Christians, home is not in any country in the world.  Home is in heaven.  It’s a concept, a truth that most Christians cannot get their arms around, cannot fathom or fully understand what this really means day-to-day for the rest of our lives on earth.

Heaven is defined in the Bible as the place where God is.  Thus, heaven is eternal.  This verse says that Jesus comes from there.  Heaven is described in Revelation 7:15-17, all of Revelation 21, and Revelation 22:1-6.   It is a perfect place where all people who confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will live forever.  It is the ultimate resting place, the ultimate home for followers of God through Jesus Christ.   Heaven is wrapped in light and peace and joy and perfection. Christians have been given an inheritance where mansions await you (John 14:2-3).  You will belong to a place where all your sorrows and sadness and sins will be forever gone. And you will enjoy fellowship with God.

For a person to enter heaven, he/she needs a conduit (a passport) to heaven.  Faith in Jesus Christ is that conduit or passport.  That’s why He’s called Savior. The name “Jesus” (“Iesous” in the Greek) means “Savior of mankind”. . 

Think of heaven as a country where no one can enter unless they are citizens.  Heaven does not allow temporary visitors, tourists, or part time residents.  The only souls who are allowed into the Kingdom of Heaven are those “whose names are written in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3).  Jesus said to rejoice over the fact that you name is recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20).  How do you have proof that your name is recorded in the book of life?  You don’t.  All you have is the testimony of Jesus Himself.  Read carefully John 10:26-30.  Jesus knows His own.  His own are those who follow Him.  No one will be able to snatch His own out of His hand.      

Citizenship is being a member of a community (society).  It is the state of being vested with the rights, privileges and duties of a citizen.  You understand this in context of being a good citizen of your country.  Are you certain that you also are a good citizen of heaven where your eternal home is? 

One last point…..Paul writes that “we eagerly wait a Savior from there”.  He is referring to the Second Coming of Christ.  He is also referring to his readers to be eager for Christ’s return and that means to be ready for Him.  Being ready means that you are following His will for your life every day and if He were to return right now, you are ready to leave this earth and be with Him.  As you examine and evaluate your life right now, are you ready?  Is there any unconfessed sin in your life?  Is there any relationship that needs to be healed first?  Is there any calling of God that you sense in your soul that you have not yet fulfilled?  You need to be ready, to be eager for Christ’s return anytime. 

“Christians have a dual citizenship – on earth and in heaven – and our citizenship in heaven ought to make us better people here on earth.”  -- Warren W. Wiersbe