Philippians 3:20 and Believer's Heavenly Citizenship Implications
Philippians 3:20 states, "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (NASB) [1]. This verse encapsulates a core aspect of Christian identity and eschatological hope within the broader context of Paul's letter to the Philippians.
The immediate literary context of Philippians 3:20 contrasts the mindset of believers with those who "mind earthly things" (Philippians 3:19) [4]. Paul has been warning against false teachers and urging the Philippian believers to press on toward the goal of knowing Christ [4]. The concept of heavenly citizenship serves as a counterpoint to an earthly focus, emphasizing that believers are "but pilgrims on earth" [4]. This idea is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as Hebrews 11:9-10, 13-16, and 1 Peter 2:11, which describe believers as foreigners or sojourners [4, 9].
The Greek word for "citizenship" (πολίτευμα, politeuma) in this verse can also be translated as "state" or "country," referring to one's life as a citizen [4]. In the Roman world, citizenship was highly valued, and Paul himself was a Roman citizen [4]. This background likely informed his use of the term, elevating the concept of heavenly citizenship to an even greater status than its earthly counterpart [4]. The phrase "is in heaven" (ἐν οὐρανοῖς, en ouranois) literally means "has its existence in the heavens" [4].
The implications of this heavenly citizenship are multifaceted. Believers are called to live in a way that is "worthy of the Good News" [9]. This includes standing firm despite persecution, as the Philippian believers were encouraged to do [9]. Their identity as citizens of heaven means their ultimate allegiance and home are not of this world [3, 9]. This perspective encourages believers to fill their minds with thoughts of heaven and the return of Christ [3, 6].
The expectation of a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is a crucial element of this heavenly citizenship [1]. This waiting is not passive but an "eager waiting" (ἀπεκδεχόμεθα, apekdechometha), a term also used in Romans 8:19 [4]. This Savior will transform believers' "humble body into conformity with His glorious body" (Philippians 3:21 NASB) [1, 10]. This transformation is linked to Christ's power to subject all things to Himself [10]. The hope of a transformed body is a significant theme in Pauline theology, appearing in passages like 1 Corinthians 15:42-54 and Romans 8:23 [10].
The concept of heavenly citizenship is closely related to other biblical themes. Ephesians 2:19 describes believers as "fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," directly linking their identity to a divine community [2]. Colossians 3:1-2 further instructs believers to "seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" and to "set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" [3]. This aligns with the idea that heavenly citizens should have a heavenly mindset [3, 6].
The ultimate realization of this heavenly citizenship is often associated with the "new heavens and new earth" described in Isaiah 65:17, 66:22, and Revelation 21 [5, 8]. In this future reality, God will dwell with humanity, and the New Jerusalem will be a place of divine presence and glory [8]. The preciousness of heavenly things is highlighted by descriptions of heaven where earthly luxuries are common building materials [7].
Thus, Philippians 3:20 not only defines the believer's present identity as a citizen of heaven but also directs their hope toward the future return of Christ and the ultimate transformation and renewal He will bring [1, 3, 6].
Sources
- Philippians “Philippians 3:20 (NASB) — For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Eph.2.19 → Phil.3.20 (confidence: 32 votes)”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:20: 3:20 By contrast, believers who know their home is in heaven (see Eph 2:19) with the Lord Jesus Christ fill their minds with thoughts of heaven (see Col 3:1-2; cp. 1 Cor 15:19; 1 Pet 2:11) and Christ’s return (see 1 Cor 1:7; Titus 2:13).”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:20: our conversation--rather, "our state" or "country"; our citizenship: our life as citizens. We are but pilgrims on earth; how then should we "mind earthly things?" (Phi 3:19; Heb 11:9-10, Heb 11:13-16). Roman citizenship was then highly prized; how much more should the heavenly citizenship (Act 22:28; compare Luk 10:20)? is--Greek, "has its existence." in heaven--Greek, "in the heavens." look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ--"We wait for (so the same Greek is translated, Rom 8:19) the Lord Jesus as a (that is, in the capacity of a) Sav”
- 2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 3:13: 3:13 the new heavens and new earth: See Isa 65:17; 66:22; Rev 21.”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:20: 3:20 By contrast, believers who know their home is in heaven (see Eph 2:19) with the Lord Jesus Christ fill their minds with thoughts of heaven (see Col 3:1-2; cp. 1 Cor 15:19; 1 Pet 2:11) and Christ’s return (see 1 Cor 1:7; Titus 2:13).”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 21:21: 21:21 Things that are precious and luxurious on earth are common building materials in heaven.”
- Revelation (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Revelation 21 (introduction): The new heaven and the new earth, Rev 21:1. The new Jerusalem, Rev 21:2. God dwells with men; the happy state of his followers, Rev 21:3-7. The wretched state of the ungodly, Rev 21:8. An angel shows John the holy city, the New Jerusalem, Rev 21:9, Rev 21:10. Her light, wall, gates, and foundations, described, Rev 21:11-21. God and the Lamb are the temple and light of it, Rev 21:22, Rev 21:23. The nations and kings of the earth bring their glory and honor to it; the gates shall never be shut, nor shall any defilement enter into it, Rev 21:24-27.”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 1:27: 1:27-30 Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to live in a way that is worthy of the Good News (cp. Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 2:12), particularly by standing strong despite persecution. 1:27 As foreigners in this world, the Philippian believers are to live as citizens of heaven (cp. 3:20; 1 Pet 2:9-11).”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:21: 3:21 change them into glorious bodies: See 1 Cor 15:42-54; cp. Rom 8:23. • he will bring everything under his control: See 1 Cor 15:24-27.”