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The proper country of a real Christian is not that in which he first drew breath, nor that in which God has fixed the bounds of his earthly habitation.

I. HE IS CITIZEN OF A CITY OF WHICH EXCELLENT THINGS ARE SPOKEN.

1. It is beautiful for situation (Psalm 48:2). In this respect no other can be compared to it, for it stands not on earth but in heaven.

2. Its foundations are most gloriously laid (Ephesians 2:20).

3. Its builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).

4. It will survive every other city, being "eternal in the heavens."

5. Its strength is invincible (Isaiah 26:1).

6. It is distinguished from every other city by its inhabitants (Hebrews 12:23), who are all holy (Revelation 21:27), and all happy (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 35:10).

7. But the grand distinction is its King (Revelation 22:3-5).

II. HOW MAY HE BE DISTINGUISHED FROM THE CITIZENS OF THE WORLD?

1. By the dress he wears. This is how we distinguish inhabitants of different countries. We read that the saints are clothed in white robes, having been washed in the blood of the Lamb. But they were washed and first worn here.

2. By his language. Different nations are distinguished by different tongues. The language spoken in Jerusalem above is that of love and holiness (Psalm 149:6), but it was learned and first used here (Ephesians 4:29; Psalm 15:3).

3. By his works. The occupation of the saints in light is the continual service of God (Revelation 7:15); so is that of the saints below (Romans 12:1).

4. By his constant communications with his city.

(A. Roberts, M. A.)

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KJV: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

WEB: For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;