“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36).
This world seems to be getting darker and more wicked daily. In this world, we understand the need for leaders, and when we hear terms like “President of the United States” or “Prime Minister of England,” we understand these are world leaders who are concerned about their nation. The problem we face is these leaders are human and subject to sin. Like all of us, these people are unrighteous. If only there were a righteous leader, life for the citizens would be easier.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Proverbs 29:2).
One day, there will be a righteous King who rules; His name is Jesus, and we all have the opportunity to be a citizen of His Kingdom. A person has to choose to be a citizen of that Kingdom, and there are no national borders involved. No illegal immigrants are allowed, and no sin is found there. There’s only one way to be a citizen of God’s kingdom, and that is through true belief and faith in Jesus Christ.
A Bible teacher once described the difference between belief and faith by saying you can look at a chair and believe it will hold your weight, but belief becomes faith when you actually sit in that chair. When we make a choice to receive Jesus as our Saviour, our new life of faith begins, and our citizenship is in Heaven.
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).
I have chosen to be a part of the Kingdom of God; my sins are forgiven, and I’m righteous only through the blood of Christ. Jesus shed His blood to take my sins away, and I have turned to Him for salvation. I have repented and strive daily to live to please Him. You can do that, too.
Although we have to live in this world, we don’t have to be a part of it. As Christians, our true citizenship is in Heaven, and we need to obey God’s laws. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and one day every knee will bow before Him.
“Look to me, and be ye saved All the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear” (Isaiah 45:22-23).
We must all remember this: even those who have been Christians for many years need to remember they too will stand before God and give an account of how they served Jesus. We need to be careful not to take pride in our own perceived righteousness.
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12).
Christians are citizens of Heaven. We aren’t to judge and condemn our fellow citizens if they don’t live up to our standards, but we need to be sure of our own walk and live according to Scripture.
Lately, there are many reports about some of the Canadian Provinces wanting to become US states. If those provinces change their national identity, some things will have to change. Things like their money system will change, laws will change, and they will no longer be “Canadians” but “Americans.” There are many other changes that will take place, but it’s all part of changing your citizenship.
The same is true for a person who has come to the realization that they are a sinner headed to eternity in Hell. Jesus is the only way to salvation, and in order to obtain eternal life, you must truly believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. You must understand that He is God and there is no other way to salvation but through Him.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
When you make that decision, your life is changed; you are now a citizen of Heaven but still living in this fallen world. You need to live by the laws of your new identity. Let’s be clear: there are no works we can do to bring salvation. We can’t be nice enough or sit in a pew often enough, or do anything else to be saved.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
We are still walking among those who are dead in their sins, but our citizenship has changed. Now we need to follow God’s laws. Even though grace is a free gift, you cannot just continue living in your sin. The Holy Spirit lives in you now, so heed His guidance.
“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice” (Ephesians 4:17-31, NKJV).
God will teach you to be a citizen of His Kingdom.
As we look back over history, we can see what trouble comes from having leaders who don’t honor God. “When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase” (Proverbs 28:28).
America has had a string of very corrupt leaders, and it has taken a toll on the national morality. Sin has been legalized to a level that would make Sodom and Gomorrah blush. Transgender people who dress like circus clowns are encouraged to read stories to children in public libraries, but Christians are banned from reading Christian-based books to children. Where’s the outrage?
Christians have dropped the ball, and we need to start defending our faith. Are we happy and content watching this world plunge deeper into the Satanic darkness of sin? Christians are not to have fellowship with evil, yet children are sent to public schools where they are taught that they can choose their gender, or that it’s OK to have two mommies or daddies.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
Citizens of Heaven know that we have to live in this world, but we aren’t to take part in its sin. We are to keep God first in our life.
If you claim to be a citizen of God’s Kingdom, then you need to live your life according to His laws. Start with the Ten Commandments. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3).
That’s a good place to start when learning the laws of God. There’s only one God, and only He is worthy of our honor. In today’s world, we tend to put everything ahead of God Almighty. Work, money, school, friends, video games, and the list goes on. These can all become gods. Put God first in your thoughts, words, and actions. When you learn to do that, all of the other laws will fall into place. God’s law isn’t difficult to follow. The thing that makes it difficult is our sin nature.
The Holy Spirit dwells within all Christians, and He will guide us into all obedience. “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
The Holy Spirit will never tell you to do anything that is contrary to Scripture, so study God’s word daily.
So, where’s your citizenship? If it’s in Heaven, then live accordingly, and be prepared to fight the spiritual battle for your King.
God bless you all,
Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com
Recommended prophecy sites:
www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com
All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.
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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).
