Revelation 21:1-7

What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? 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 all 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…” God’s Law delivered: Mount Sinai Sermon on Mount “Mount Zion” Acts 1:1-8 – “…things pertaining to the kingdom…” Citizenship dictates behavior based on who the king is; they are his laws which must be adhered; his laws are published, enforced

The faithful of God have always lived this way! What does it mean to be a “citizen” of heaven? The faithful of God have always lived this way! Hebrews 11:8-10; 11:13-16 According to Apostles’ Doctrine: Practical citizenship Ephesians 2:1-7; Romans 6:16-18 No longer who you were! Ephesians 2:11-13 – “aliens from the commonwealth” Ephesians 2:19-22 – “you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints… members of the household of God…being built together for a dwelling place of God…” 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!