Full Citizens of Heaven

Full Citizens of Heaven
Sunday, March 15, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:19–22

Though there were millions of people living under the control of the Roman Empire during the New Testament era, many of them did not have the full rights and privileges of being citizens. Being a Roman citizen brought special rights and legal protection, no matter where a person was in the empire. As such, it was a status that was greatly desired. When Paul was being held after the riot in the Temple at Jerusalem, he appealed to his standing as a citizen to avoid being scourged without a trial. “Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born” (Acts 22:27–28).

Being a citizen of Heaven is far more important and beneficial than being a citizen of any nation here on earth. And the high cost of that citizenship has been paid in full for us in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. We have been made righteous and freed forever from the penalty of sin. We have access to the throne of God to seek his help when we are in need. We have the Holy Spirit living within. Yet though we have these rights and many others as believers, many Christians do not use them. Instead of claiming what God has promised, they settle for the scraps of the world and the devil.

Today's Growth Principle:
Do not miss the benefits of citizenship in Heaven by focusing solely on this present world.