Revelation 21 1 7 What does it mean
- Slides: 8
Revelation 21: 1 -7
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? Citizen: a native or naturalized member of a state or other political community (originally a city or town, thus “cityzen” but now usually referring to a country) Politeuma: “the condition, or life, of a citizen, citizenship; ” it is said of the heavenly status of believers, “our citizenship (AV, “conversation”) is in heaven”; COMMONWEALTH (“community”)
Oath of United States Citizenship I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? According to Jesus: members of a KINGDOM Matthew 4: 12 -17 – “Repent, for the kingdom…” Matthew 5: 3 -10 – “…for theirs is the kingdom…” John 18: 33 -37 – “You say rightly that I am a king…” Acts 1: 1 -8 – “…things pertaining to the kingdom…” God’s Law behaviordelivered: based on who Citizenship dictates the king is; they are his laws. Mount which must be Sinai Sermon on enforced Mount adhered; his laws are published, “Mount Zion”
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? According to Apostles’ Doctrine: Practical citizenship Ephesians 2: 11 -13 – “aliens from the commonwealth” The faithful of Ephesians 2: 19 -22 – “you are no Ephesians longer strangers God have always 2: 1 -7; and foreigners, but fellow citizens with 6: 16 -18 the saints… lived this way! Romans members of the household of God…being built Hebrews 11: 8 -10; No longer together for a dwelling place of God…” 11: 13 -16 who you were! Ephesians 4: 1 -6 – “walk worthy of the calling…” Philippians 1: 27 -30 – “let your conduct be worthy…” Philippians 3: 17 -21 – “…our citizenship is in heaven”
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? The Lord began to preach the kingdom by admonishing REPENTANCE: changed behavior The apostles continued to preach the kingdom by teaching the worthy conduct of a citizen Citizenship carries with it great reward: Protection – Acts 22: 28; Rev. 21: 4 Privilege – Acts 25: 11 -12; Rev. 21: 7
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? The Lord began to preach the kingdom by admonishing REPENTANCE: changed behavior The apostles continued to preach the kingdom by teaching the worthy conduct of a citizen Non-citizenship carries with it great loss: Matthew 22: 1 -14 – “outer darkness” Revelation 21: 8 – “the second death”
What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? Are YOU a citizen of HEAVEN? Does your CONDUCT betray your loyalty? Matthew 6: 24 [U. S. oath] – “cannot serve two masters” WHOM are you serving? Galatians 3: 26 -29 – you can become a son, heir, and fellow citizen today!