Born a Citizen

You may be on a visa, or maybe you're a resident or citizen. Whatever your status, you have rights and privileges in your country.

Apostle Paul used his privileges as a Roman citizen to escape a fatal flogging.

Paul was tied up and stretched out by Roman officials to be flogged. He told them that he was a Roman citizen. Looking at Paul's condition, the chief captain asked Paul how much money he paid for his citizenship. Paul corrected him, telling the chief captain that he was born a citizen (Acts 22).

Being born a citizen meant that Paul's parents were awarded citizenship for an outstanding service to Rome. Citizenship by birth was based on lineage, not location.

Roman citizenship parallels Heavenly citizenship.

Both citizenships can be acquired by foreigners like you and me.

Both citizenships can be secured by birth. Unlike Roman citizenship, heavenly citizenship can’t be passed down by my parents. I must be born again by the Spirit of God.

Both citizenships can be secured by a purchase. There are fees to become a naturalized citizen of a nation. Citizenship of Heaven is not purchased by money, but has a great price on it. It is a free gift for those who accept it and believe on the price paid by Christ Jesus.

But Heaven isn’t like any political power on earth. No other place compares to being with Jesus in Heaven.

Roman citizenship is a thing of the past—it doesn’t exist anymore. Heavenly citizenship is a thing of the present—it is eternal.

Roman citizenship protected your physical body. Heavenly citizenship protects your soul forever.

When I apply for citizenship, there are background checks and tests I must pass. When I become a citizen of Heaven, I come just as I am leaving my past behind.

Roman citizenship means I am a citizen of a nation. Becoming a citizen of Heaven is much more. When I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I become a child of God.

My new ID is that of Christ. I no longer need to let negativity tie me down nor circumstance stretch me out.

Think of your favorite Bible heroes and heroes of Christian faith. What are some ways you can act like a citizen of Heaven living on earth this week?

Remember, if you’ve placed your trust in Jesus, you are a citizen of Heaven. You are an ambassador for Christ.

Go forward living as one.

Adapted from the sermon, “Born a Citizen" by Santosh Abraham at ICA (August 26, 2018).

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