When Jesus came to this world, He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36). Our true homeland is the kingdom of heaven, and this earth is only a temporary place of exile, where we live as strangers because of the sins we once committed in heaven (Heb 11:13–16). Life as strangers in this world brings more sorrow than joy; it often feels weary, uncertain, lonely, and desolate. Yet we are sustained by the hope of our heavenly home, where there is no sorrow, no pain, and no death. This hope fills us with spiritual joy and strength (Rev 21:4).
Earthly things, no matter how tightly we cling to them, will eventually fade away. But what belongs to heaven is eternal, and no one can take it from us. In this world, disasters strike suddenly, regardless of our will or desire. Only heaven is safe, for there is no sin, no death, no disaster, and no disease. Truly, isn’t that a place worth longing for? The Bible says that our citizenship is in heaven (Php 3:20–21). Just as children inherit citizenship from their parents, we too, as sons and daughters of God, hold heavenly citizenship. Therefore, we must live with the faith and conduct worthy of God’s children.
Even in this world, those who desire citizenship in a prosperous nation must live uprightly and meet the necessary requirements. Likewise, until we enter heaven, we must strengthen what is lacking and prepare ourselves as true citizens of heaven. The Bible urges us to set our hearts on things above and to put on the new self (Col 3:1–10). This means clothing ourselves with the garments of God’s kingdom and feeding on the spiritual food of the new covenant. The Bible warns us, “Do not be angry, do not behave rudely, do not commit evil, do not envy, do not steal, do not commit adultery . . .” What God commands us to avoid, we must avoid. Just as doctors forbid patients to eat foods that worsen disease, so God commands us to turn away from sins that destroy our souls. The Bible also teaches, “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. . . . For if you do these things, you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pe 1:5–11).
Therefore, let us put God’s word into practice and live as heavenly citizens who will be richly welcomed into the kingdom of heaven. This requires transformation: harsh tempers must be softened into gentle spirits. Those who have misunderstood God should study the Bible to know Him correctly. Those who have not shared the gopsel can begin to preach righteousness. Those who have not been considerate toward their brothers and sisters may start to show more care. Let us comfort the weak, encourage the discouraged, and replace hurtful words with gracious and uplifting ones, so that we may bring joy to our Father in heaven.
The kingdom of heaven grants citizenship only to the righteous. Those who do evil will not see God (3 Jn 1:11). Just as fishermen keep the good fish and throw away the bad, so God will separate the wicked from the righteous (Mt 13:47–50). We must strive to be among those gathered into His heavenly vessel. Sodom and Gomorrah were consumed by fire because of their wickedness and immorality. In Noah’s time, corruption was so great that there was no room left for the righteous to live; therefore, God destroyed the world with water. Yet He saved “Noah, a preacher of righteousness,” and “Lot, a righteous man” (2 Pe 2:4–9). The Bible warns, “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly” (2 Pe 3:6–7). In a world trembling with fear of disaster, let us proclaim the God who saves and the truth of the Passover that delivers from calamity. Let us urgently sound the trumpet for people to flee to Zion (Jer 4:5–6). To save perishing souls is to live out righteousness.
A man who came to the wedding banquet without wedding clothes was cast out (Mt 22:8–14). Our “righteous acts” are the wedding clothes (Rev 19: 7–8). The Bible also tells us to clothe ourselves with Christ (Ro 13:14). As citizens of heaven, who keep the Passover of the new covenant, let us live in holiness. Through good deeds, let us diligently proclaim the righteousness of the gospel and lead many to God’s side, so that we may be richily welcomed into the kingdom of heaven as those whohold its citizenship.
