Day 22 - Legal Citizenship
- Pastor b.Side
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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. - Philippians 3:20-21
One could argue that it’s much easier to create something good from scratch than to try to restore something that is broken. God demonstrated His power by creating everything out of nothing. However, His power is also shown through His ability to glorify corrupted human souls. God promised to give His people eternal life in the glory of His presence. Our natural condition as sinners does not limit God or make His work difficult. For God, offering forgiveness, cleansing the conscience, granting eternal life, and providing glorified bodies is as easy as His initial task of creating all things in the beginning.
“Our citizenship is in heaven…”
Consider how Paul described God’s power in Philippians 3:20-21. He began by stating that a true believer in Jesus Christ has heavenly citizenship. If we all possess a sinfully corrupt and carnal nature, how do we end up with this heavenly citizenship? Only Jesus, who is both God and man, has the authority to transfer citizenship in this way. He did the work to bridge the gap between humanity and God. Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension all serve as proof confirming these claims. Who else can make such claims?
“We also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…”
This is why the true believer eagerly waits for Jesus. Would it be better to spend time on this corrupted earth as foreigners or in heaven? Scripture explains how we SHOULD BE waiting for Jesus to return to take us home. We should focus on how God manifests His power, which becomes evident when Jesus returns. What does that power look like? The fulfillment of His promise to transform these bodies into the likeness of His glorious body, enabling us to fully utilize the new hearts He’s given us through the regenerative power of His blood and Spirit.
“Who will transform our lowly body…”
The true essence of God’s power isn’t revealed through improvements in our circumstances now. Instead, it is shown through the transformation of our hearts and, eventually, our bodies so they can endure the brightness of God’s glory and eternal life. This should be the focus for any Christian because it reflects the real benefit of God’s power. He uses His power to cleanse and sanctify our souls, allowing Him to physically bring us to where He is, which requires an incredible change in our condition. Jesus’ resurrection and ascension already prove that He has the power to accomplish this work!
“He is able even to subdue all things to Himself…”
Jesus’ identity as El Shaddai, the LION of Judah, grants Him the power and authority to govern all things throughout the world, including the heavenly citizenship of His people. This authority allows Him to provide a life that surpasses our wildest dreams, where He also offers us perfected bodies with the greatest ability to fully enjoy every aspect of it, to His glory.
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, thank You for the work that grants us heavenly citizenship. Help us focus on that reality and the work that made it possible so we can live today with humility, gratitude, and an eternal perspective for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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