Should you be loyal to the country where you are a citizen? Do you know anyone with dual citizenship? To which country is that person more loyal? or more concerned about? Do you think it is ethical for an adult to hold citizenship in two different countries simultaneously?

If you are a real “born again” Christian, YOU are in this same kind of tension. The apostle Paul writes,

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

Paul considered himself and the Philippian believers he addressed to have their primary “commonwealth” in the heavenly realms because of their faith-union with Jesus Christ. As members of a Roman “colonia”, most of the Philippians were full citizens of Rome, as was Paul himself.

Paul never renounced his Roman citizenship nor his heritage as an Israelite (see Phil. 3:1ff., & Acts 16:30-40), but the throne of King Jesus held his first allegiance even to death.

In his letters to the Colossians and Ephesians–which we encourage you to read for yourself–Paul explains the believer’s union with Christ, how the Christian is “in Reality” co-enthroned with Christ in the heavenly realms, even though physically still on earth.

Living Christian believers would normally hold citizenship in some earthly country, but our primary allegiance and loyalty must be to the One who created all nations and will someday judge them all.

Jesus Christ is the supreme authority over all earthly kings, and the Lord of any other authorities. He will return to this planet to take up His active reign as King and Judge. He commands you to turn from your sins and entrust yourself to Him. No other authority has the legal right to interfere with obedience to His royal command.

You too can become a citizen of heaven. By faith, take Jesus Christ as your Savior and King. Don’t delay for a moment your obedience to His royal command: do it NOW. A thousand years from now, you’ll be glad you did.