v 12. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name.
Citizenship is a big topic at the moment. What will Brexit mean in terms of citizenship for some people? (There – I’ve written it now. I’ve avoided the B word in these notes for a very long time but it was bound to come out one day!) The fact is, citizenship is important because it offers privileges and, in many circumstances, protection.
Just reflect for a moment on the privileges of being a citizen of Heaven. Every wrong thing you have done has been forgiven by God.
The price of your freedom from condemnation has already been paid by Jesus.
You have received a guarantee of God’s presence with you daily as you welcomed the Holy Spirit into your life.
You have been placed into a secure family – the Church of Jesus Christ..
You have been given a new name. Instead of having ‘Sinner’ written over you, you have become ‘Saint’.
You can communicate directly with your heavenly Father as you pray.
You have been given a shield of faith to protect you from the darts of temptation that are so often fired at you.
The stain of sin that would have left you ugly and unclean has been washed away, leaving you beautiful in God’s eyes.
…… And so you might go on. (Yes – just try to count the blessings of belonging to the Kingdom of God!)
These privileges of citizenship will never be taken from you, and you will never be deported.