Topical Bible: Citizens: Figurative

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In the Bible, the concept of citizenship is often used figuratively to describe the spiritual identity and belonging of believers. This metaphorical use of citizenship underscores the relationship between Christians and the Kingdom of God, contrasting their earthly existence with their heavenly allegiance.

Heavenly Citizenship

The Apostle Paul frequently employs the metaphor of citizenship to emphasize the believer's true home and allegiance. In Philippians 3:20, Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse highlights the believer's ultimate identity and hope, which are not rooted in earthly nations or kingdoms but in the heavenly realm. The concept of heavenly citizenship serves as a reminder that Christians are sojourners on earth, with their true home and loyalty belonging to God's eternal kingdom.

Aliens and Strangers

The notion of being "aliens and strangers" in the world further illustrates the figurative use of citizenship. In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter exhorts believers, "Beloved, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This imagery conveys the idea that Christians, though living in the world, are not of it. Their values, conduct, and ultimate allegiance are distinct from those of the surrounding culture, reflecting their status as citizens of a different kingdom.

The Kingdom of God

The figurative use of citizenship is closely tied to the concept of the Kingdom of God. Jesus frequently spoke of this kingdom, which is not defined by geographical boundaries but by the reign of God in the hearts of believers. In John 18:36, Jesus declares, "My kingdom is not of this world." This statement underscores the spiritual nature of His kingdom and, by extension, the citizenship of those who belong to it. Believers are called to live according to the principles of this kingdom, demonstrating their allegiance through obedience to God's will.

Ambassadors for Christ

The metaphor of citizenship is also linked to the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul states, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us." As citizens of heaven, Christians are tasked with representing the values and message of their true homeland. This ambassadorial role involves proclaiming the gospel and living in a manner that reflects the character and priorities of the Kingdom of God.

Unity in Diversity

The figurative use of citizenship also speaks to the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 2:19, Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This verse highlights the inclusion of all believers, regardless of their earthly nationality or background, into the spiritual family of God. As fellow citizens, Christians are united in their shared identity and purpose, transcending earthly divisions and reflecting the diverse yet unified nature of God's kingdom.

In summary, the figurative use of citizenship in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual identity, allegiance, and mission of believers. It calls Christians to live as representatives of God's kingdom, with their hearts set on their heavenly home and their lives reflecting the values of their true citizenship.

Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Bohemian Confessions after the Reformation. AD 1535 and 1575.
... Luther was at first displeased with their figurative theory of the Lord's Supper,
their ... [1104] Protestants were forbidden the rights of citizens; they could ...
/.../ 73 the bohemian confessions.htm

Whether Angels Assume Bodies?
... by him and by his whole family, by Lot, and by the citizens of Sodom ... Moreover that
angels assumed bodies under the Old Law was a figurative indication that the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether angels assume bodies.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... For, when the disciples did not understand His figurative language, He told them
plainly ... But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Matt. xvi. 24
... For whereas we are strangers to the Heavens, but citizens of the earth, these are
just the contrary. ... [2156] apanchoniznton, a strong figurative expression, as ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lv matt xvi 24.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... these words,"figurative, like the earlier words of the sentence, figurative, like
"thirst ... hours for so many years, is seldom heard by many citizens during the ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... Isaiah's language is highly figurative. ... and Jericho, there were many important cities,
any one of which would be more apt to send its citizens to John's ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... this nourishment on milk leads to the heavens, rearing up citizens of heaven ... been
called a river of olive oil, Paul, using appropriate figurative language, and ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... be considered, that the Jews, resting too much upon the figurative language of ... disciples,
in consequence of which we visibly become "fellow-citizens with the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

The Prophet Joel.
... (iii.) 4-7, Joel promises a return to the citizens of Judah ... We content ourselves
with remarking that the figurative exposition is the more ancient, having been ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet joel.htm

The Mystery
... never again to be inhabited, yet a great part of the citizens might escape ... if we
may be allowed to apply the two olive-trees to two figurative infusers, rather ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery.htm