Because He Came, My Citizenship Changed.

Did you know believers in Jesus Christ are considered temporarary residents?

It's true. When Peter was writing to the the early Christians who had left Jerusalem because of persecution, he said this:

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 1 Peter 2:11 NLT

The writer of Hebrews also wrote on the theme of believers being aliens:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:13 KJV

My point is this: because Christ came, people had an opportunity to accept the gift of salvation. Once they received that gift, they became beings who would live forever. They became children of God who have an inheritance and have an eternal home waiting on them to finish their journey here on earth.

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47 NKJV

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: John 1:12 NKJV

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3 NKJV

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20 New Living Translation

Because He came, you can become a citizen of heaven. Seems like the greatest gift ever!

Ever since 2012, each December, I've been doing a series of posts titled Because He Came. In these posts, I examine the difference the birth of Christ makes in our world.

After doing variations of this so many years, it is interesting that new ideas present itself. I have three new thoughts I will be discussing in 2025, one of which is today's thoughts on citizenship. If you'd like to read a recap of earlier years with links to all the posts, check out, "Redeemed and Adopted Because He Came." 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Could you take a small break and enter in the comments what types of posts you would like to see on the Journey in 2026. More bible studies? More essays and thoughts of daily life? Or, more scripture-bassed prayers? I'm here to serve you.