Independence Day
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)
Since the beginning, sovereign nations have reserved the right to protect their boarders. This provides the citizenry with peace and protection and many other privileges granted to citizens.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul talks of citizenship in heaven. Since God is love and Christians are to love all others, including enemies, many expect heaven to be wall-less, with open borders welcoming all, simply because they have passed to the next life. We read in Ephesians this isn't so. Paul instructs the Gentiles, “remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) This condition applies to all people of all time by birth – strangers, aliens, and enemies of God with no hope of ever gaining entrance to the heavenly realms.
Fortunately, our God was not satisfied with this status for us. He made and executed the plan to bring us into fellowship with Him and citizenship in our heavenly abode. This He accomplished through the redemptive work of Jesus. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) By His life, death, and resurrection Jesus has restored us to a relationship of peace with God the Father. He has also credited His righteousness to our account so that our path to citizenship in heaven is completely unobstructed.
We are now, “no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19) What a wonder! What a joy to look forward to in heaven! But, don't miss the fact that you are a citizen of heaven now. No matter your status or circumstance, no matter your condition, or the freedoms, or lack there of, you endure now, your heavenly citizenship is yours today! Let this Gospel truth shape and guide your daily thoughts and actions.
O sweet and blessed country, the home of God's elect!
O sweet and blessed country That eager hearts expect!
Jesus, in mercy bring us To that dear land of rest,
Who art, with God the Father And Spirit, ever blest.
The Lutheran Hymnal 613:4