Glass Street church of Christ

site last modified
February 26, 2008

CITIZENSHIP IN THE KINGDOM

by Randy Meyer

Recently, a survey was given to a group of individuals asking if they believed in heaven. The results found that 80% of those which believed in heaven felt certain that they were going there upon their death. Are you aware that to reach heaven, one must become a subject or citizen of Christ’s kingdom? Are you a citizen of Christ’s kingdom?

Christ said “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of the world, then would my servants fight...” John 18:36 (KJV). Jesus states very clearly that His kingdom is not a physical kingdom but rather is a spiritual kingdom. Christ’s spiritual kingdom, which is His Church, began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). In Acts 2:47 we find that it is the Lord that adds “citizens” to His Church (kingdom) once one is saved.

One is a subject of the nation to which they are a citizen. Many fail to realize however that their citizenship is a choice. For one to become a citizen of our great nation, they must be born on U.S. soil or proceed through a series of tests to prove worthiness to become a citizen. Whether a native or naturalized citizen, a choice is made. As subjects of this country, we have the freedom of choice to 1) remain/become a citizen by obedience to the laws of this nation, OR 2) renounce our citizenship and surrender the blessings associated therewith. God has also given us a choice concerning our citizenship in the kingdom of Christ. We chose whether to a) accept and receive citizenship through obedience to His laws and requirements, OR b) reject/relinquish our citizenship through disobedience. Yet before we can choose to give up our citizenship, we must first possess it.

Certain rights are gained through our U.S. citizenship. We have the freedom of speech, right to bear arms, etc. But with such rights also come responsibilities. We have the responsibility to pay taxes, obey the laws of the land, etc. The same is true with our spiritual citizenship. Through obedience to His commands and acceptance of our responsibilities, we will be granted admittance, including its “rights” and privileges, into Christ’s kingdom.

We can deceive ourselves however about our spiritual citizenship. As seen in the survey, most people claim their citizenship is in heaven. However, we find in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. … narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (NKJV). Christ definitively states that few people will choose to become and remain loyal citizens of His kingdom and reach the heavenly reward. Are you one of those few which have chosen the “narrow gate”?

We find in II Corinthians 5:10 that we “… must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (KJV). When you stand before the judgment seat on that final day, will you be called a faithful subject of Christ’s kingdom? Is your citizenship based upon the Word of God or just “a feeling”? The Bible states that we are each responsible for our own choices (II Corinthians 5:10, Romans 2:6). Have you made the proper choice? To find His evaluation of your heavenly citizenship or to learn how to become a citizen of His kingdom, we invite you to study with us from God’s holy Word.