Citizens of Heaven

As believers, we often navigate the tension between our earthly existence and spiritual identity. The world pulls us toward its priorities—wealth, status, and power—while our faith calls us to a higher allegiance. In Philippians 3:20, the Apostle Paul offers a transformative truth that reorients our perspective: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (ESV). This verse encapsulates our identity as Christians, our hope in Christ’s return, and our call to live distinctively in a world that is not our ultimate home.

In this blog post, we’ll delve deeply into Philippians 3:20, exploring its historical and cultural context, unpacking key terms from the original Greek, and drawing from Scripture to understand what it means to live as citizens of heaven. From the privileges and responsibilities of our heavenly citizenship to the eager anticipation of our Savior’s return, this verse invites us to embrace our true identity and align our lives with the values of our eternal home.

The Context of Philippians 3:20

To grasp the full weight of Philippians 3:20, we must first consider its context. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in northern Greece. Philippi’s residents, many of whom were Roman citizens, took great pride in their citizenship. This status granted them legal protections, social privileges, and a sense of belonging to the mighty Roman Empire, even though they lived far from Rome. Paul leverages this cultural backdrop to draw a powerful parallel: just as the Philippians valued their Roman citizenship, believers should cherish their citizenship in heaven even more.

The verses immediately preceding Philippians 3:20 set the stage for this contrast. In Philippians 3:18-19, Paul writes, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (ESV). Here, Paul describes those who live for temporal pleasures and pursuits, contrasting them with believers whose identity and hope transcend this world. Against this backdrop, Philippians 3:20 emerges as a clarion call to embrace our heavenly citizenship and live accordingly.

“For Our Citizenship Is in Heaven”

The phrase “our citizenship is in heaven” is the heartbeat of this verse. In the original Greek, the word for “citizenship” is politeuma (πολίτευμα), derived from polis (city) and related to the verb politeuō (to live as a citizen). Politeuma refers to a commonwealth, a community, or a state—a term that would have resonated deeply with the Philippians. Their Roman politeuma connected them to Rome’s laws, customs, and identity, despite their physical distance from the capital. Similarly, Paul declares that believers belong to a heavenly commonwealth, under the governance of God, with our true home in His eternal kingdom.

William Barclay, a noted biblical scholar, offers a paraphrase that captures this idea vividly: “We have our home in heaven, and here on earth we are a colony of heaven’s citizens.” Paul’s message to the Philippians and us is clear: just as Roman colonists in Philippi never forgot their allegiance to Rome, we must never forget that we belong to heaven. Our conduct, values, and priorities should reflect this citizenship, distinguishing us from the world around us.

Living as Resident Aliens on Earth

If our citizenship is in heaven, then we are, in a sense, resident aliens on earth. This concept echoes throughout Scripture. In Hebrews 11:13-16, the heroes of faith are described as “strangers and exiles on the earth” who “desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one” (ESV). Likewise, 1 Peter 2:11 urges believers, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul” (ESV). As heavenly citizens, we live in this world but are not of it—our identity sets us apart.

What does it mean to live as resident aliens? Consider the following principles, drawn from the analogy of foreigners in a foreign land:

Distinctiveness: Foreigners stand out due to their language, customs, or behavior. As Christians, our heavenly citizenship should mark us as different—our love, integrity, and devotion to God should be noticeable in a world often driven by selfishness and sin.

Doing Good Works: While we are not permanent residents of this world, we are called to bless it. Matthew 5:16 instructs, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV). Our good deeds reflect our heavenly King.

Avoiding Entanglement: Aliens typically do not meddle in their host country's political or social systems. Similarly, 2 Timothy 2:4 reminds us, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (ESV). Our focus is on God’s kingdom, not earthly agendas.

Privileges and Duties: As heavenly citizens, we enjoy unique privileges—like access to God’s throne in prayer (Hebrews 4:16)—but also bear responsibilities, such as living holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Eternal Focus: Aliens don’t invest heavily in a land they’ll leave. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-20, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (ESV). Our true wealth lies in eternity.

The Character of Heavenly Citizens

Our heavenly citizenship shapes our character in profound ways. Drawing from Philippians 3:20 and related scriptures, here are six traits that define us as citizens of heaven:

Under Heaven’s Government: We submit to God’s authority. Romans 13:1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God” (ESV). Our ultimate allegiance is to His Word and will.

Sharing Heaven’s Honors: As God’s children, we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, ESV). This dignity surpasses any earthly status.

Property Rights in Heaven: Jesus promises in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (ESV). Our inheritance is secure in heaven.

Enjoying Heaven’s Pleasures: We experience God’s joy even amid trials. Psalm 16:11 declares, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (ESV).

Attached to Heaven: Our hearts long for our true home. Colossians 3:2 exhorts, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (ESV).

Communicating with Heaven: Prayer keeps us connected to our King. Philippians 4:6 encourages, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (ESV).

Charles Spurgeon beautifully illustrates this attachment to heaven: “How heartily the Germans sing of the dear old fatherland… but they cannot beat the genial glow of the Briton’s heart, when he thinks of his fatherland too… Does not our love fervently flame towards heaven?” Our citizenship ignites a passionate love for our eternal home.

The Contrast with Earthly Citizens

Philippians 3:20 gains sharper clarity when viewed against Philippians 3:18-19. The “enemies of the cross” pursue fleeting pleasures—“their god is their belly”—and fixate on “earthly things”, leading to “destruction”. In contrast, heavenly citizens focus on eternal realities, living for Christ’s glory. This dichotomy challenges us: Will we chase the temporary, or anchor ourselves in the eternal?

“From Which We Also Eagerly Wait for the Savior”

The second half of Philippians 3:20 shifts our gaze forward: “from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ”. This phrase underscores that our citizenship is not static—it’s dynamic, marked by active anticipation of Christ’s return.

The Greek word for “eagerly wait” is apekdechomai (ἀπεκδέχομαι), a compound verb meaning to await with intense longing and expectation. It’s not a passive resignation but a vibrant hope, akin to the Philippians awaiting a visit from the Roman emperor. Such visits were grand occasions, filled with preparation and celebration. How much more should we, as heavenly citizens, anticipate the arrival of our King?

“Savior”: A Title of Supremacy

Paul calls Jesus “the Savior”, a loaded term in the Roman context. In 48 B.C., Julius Caesar was hailed as the “universal savior of mankind,” a title later applied to subsequent emperors. By ascribing it to Jesus, Paul boldly asserts that true salvation comes not from Caesar’s power but from Christ’s cross. Titus 2:13 reinforces this hope: “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (ESV). Jesus alone delivers us from sin and death.

“The Lord Jesus Christ”

Finally, Paul identifies our Savior as “the Lord Jesus Christ”. The title “Lord” (kyrios, κύριος) carries immense weight. In the Roman world, “Lord” was a title reserved for Caesar, symbolizing ultimate authority. Christians later faced martyrdom for refusing to say “Caesar is Lord,” declaring instead, “Jesus is Lord.” Paul’s use of kyrios here is a subversive claim: Jesus, not Caesar, reigns supreme.

This confession aligns with Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (ESV). As citizens of heaven, we pledge allegiance to our true Lord, whose authority surpasses all earthly powers.

Practical Implications for Today

What does Philippians 3:20 mean for us as modern believers? Here are five ways to live out our heavenly citizenship:

Adopt a Heavenly Perspective: In a culture obsessed with the present, focus on eternity. 2 Corinthians 4:18 urges, “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen” (ESV).

Embrace Your Identity: Your passport is stamped with heaven’s seal. Let this truth define you above all else.

Represent Christ: As ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), reflect His love and truth daily.

Hope in His Return: Amid trials, cling to the promise of Philippians 3:21: “He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (ESV).

Engage Wisely: Be salt and light, but don’t entangle yourself in worldly systems that distract from God’s kingdom.

Conclusion

Philippians 3:20 is a clarion call to live as citizens of heaven, distinct yet engaged, with hearts ablaze for our Savior’s return. Our politeuma is not of this earth but in the eternal realm, where Jesus reigns as Lord. As we await Him with apekdechomai—eager longing—let’s embody the character of heaven’s citizens, trusting that our true home awaits. May this truth inspire us to live with purpose, hope, and unwavering devotion to our King.