But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. —Philippians 3:20 NIV

Curiosity about dual citizenship is growing among Americans. My sister, for example, is pursuing Portuguese citizenship even though she is already a U.S. citizen. She is not planning to move to Portugal; she simply wants the option. Similarly, many people today seek a second citizenship for security, opportunity, or the possibility of a future move. This theme of holding more than one citizenship also appears in our spiritual lives.

What about me? Well, I already have dual citizenship! Unlike my sister’s experience, when I received my Heavenly citizenship in the summer of 1997, no language tests, history classes, or applications were required. Those lessons came later.

I am a proud citizen of the United States and grateful for the many blessings that come with this status. However, my “forever home”—the one I will ultimately retire to—is Heaven. Knowing this, I am fully committed to moving there one day.

This idea of dual citizenship also appears in the Bible. In fact, Paul’s call to preach the Good News to the Gentiles—which must have been a shock to this former Pharisee—led him to invoke his Roman citizenship to avoid torture.

Ironically, God also used a Gentile named Claudius Lysias to save Paul from a hostile crowd and a murder attempt (see Acts 23:26–30). Jewish law did not apply in the Gentile world, but because Paul held both Israelite and Roman citizenship, he had rights under Roman law. For instance, he could not be beaten or tortured without a trial, nor could he be executed by crucifixion.

Yet our dual citizenship is far greater and brings eternal benefits. Being a citizen of Heaven is a God-given status that can never be revoked. As we journey to Heaven, God walks with us and protects our hearts and minds until we arrive home. Meanwhile, we continue to grow into the likeness of Jesus and will ultimately fit in perfectly.

Understanding that this world is not my home has given me so much peace. Even when the world feels upside down, I know where I belong. This sense of belonging reminds me of how immigrants sought familiar places in a foreign land—like an Italian immigrant discovering Boston’s North End in the early 1900s—a place where they could belong.

For me, church has provided that sense of belonging. Faithful churches, sound teaching, meaningful fellowship, and abundant grace have given me glimpses of my true homeland. A church home points us toward Heaven, reminding us where our citizenship ultimately lies.

Although I still care deeply about the United States, it is not my primary focus. Similarly, just as Paul sometimes appealed to his Roman citizenship to fulfill God’s purposes, I seek to live in light of my heavenly citizenship.

         “But our citizenship is in heaven.”  —Philippians 3:20a NIV
         “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”  —Hebrews 13:14 NIV

When these truths take root in our hearts, we can trust that Jesus will return. At that time, justice will be accomplished according to His perfect wisdom. He has already paid the price for sin and offers forgiveness as a gift to all who receive it.

Those who repent and place their faith in Him are covered by Jesus’ blood. Though their sins are as scarlet, God no longer sees them. Through Christ’s sacrifice, our sin is removed. We are made white as snow (from Isaiah 1:18).

Our citizenship in Heaven was not earned by church attendance, classes, language learning, or good works. It was given freely through grace. One day, we will hear the King say, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”  (Matthew 25:34b NASB). And perhaps, “Come away with Me, My fair one”  (Song of Solomon 2:10b NLT). What a homecoming that will be!

Father, thank You for making me Your child and granting me citizenship in Heaven. Help me live each day with eternity in mind, reflecting the reality of my true home. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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