Chapter 49—Citizens of Heaven
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
Ephesians
2:19
.
The people of God—the true Israel—though scattered throughout all
nations, are on earth but sojourners, whose citizenship is in heaven.
The condition of being received into the Lord’s family is coming out from
the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of
God are to have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to
reach a higher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then
God says, “I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of
the heavenly King.” As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice
from sin and sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven.
We should realize more clearly the value of the promises God has made
to us, and appreciate more deeply the honor He has given us. God can bestow
no higher honor upon mortals than to adopt them into His family, giving them
the privilege of calling Him Father. There is no degradation in becoming
children of God.
We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are to wait, watch, pray,
and work. The whole mind, the whole soul, the whole heart, and the whole
strength are purchased by the blood of the Son of God. We are not to feel it
our duty to wear a pilgrim’s dress of just such a color, just such a shape, but
neat, modest apparel, that the word of inspiration teaches us we should wear.
If our hearts are united with Christ’s heart, we shall have a most intense
desire to be clothed with His righteousness. Nothing will be put upon the
person to attract attention, or to create controversy.
Christianity—how many there are who do not know what it is! It is not
something put on the outside. It is a life inwrought with the life of Jesus. It
means that we are wearing the robe of Christ’s righteousness.
Citizens of heaven will make the best citizens of earth. A correct view of
our duty to God leads to clear perceptions of our duty to our fellow men.
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