A Heavenly Citizenship Described And Recommended.

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

(Philippians 3:20)

This morning, in a sermon drawn from Philip Doddridge’s A Heavenly Citizenship Described and Recommended, we will focus on our heavenly citizenship, describing it and encouraging deep contemplation of its sacred promise.

Out text is Philippians 3:20: Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The apostle explains the character of the holy patriarchs, noting that they admitted they were strangers on earth;{Hebrews 11:10, 13-14} and thus showed they desired another country, a heavenly one. They sought a city with solid foundations, built and designed by God. To them, that city was revealed in a less clear way. Now, through the glorious gospel, life and immortality are plainly shown; the goal is so bright, and its truth so clear, that one might expect every eye to see it and every heart to be moved by it.

If one were unaware, through observation and experience, of the corruption and foolishness of human nature, one might hope that wherever the gospel's call echoes, the emptiness and folly of the world would be rejected. A multitude of holy pilgrims would set out on their journey toward the New Jerusalem, moving steadily through the wilderness until the Jordan is crossed and the heavenly shore is reached.

However, this is far from reality. It was so in the apostle’s time, as it is in ours, as he observes in the earlier words: There are many who walk, says he, of whom I have often told you, and now tell you even weeping, who are enemies to the cross of Christ, whose God is their belly, whose glory is in their shame, who focus on earthly things. They fix their eyes and hearts on worldly pleasures, even more stubbornly than animals focus on the ground, as if unable to lift their gaze heavenward or form a thought, a vision, or a desire beyond the narrow limits of time and sense.

This describes many, and it is only by divine grace that it does not describe all. Yet, blessed be God, there are those who, with the apostle, can say, "We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen."{2 Corinthians 4:18} Our citizenship is in heaven. From these words, it will be the goal of this sermon,

I. To describe, and then,

II. To highlight that heavenly citizenship in the text. After which,

III. We will close with a few reflections.

May the words we are about to hear stir us! May they guide us to look upward beyond these trivial matters that occupy so much of our hearts, and render us as empty as they are.

I. I am to describe this heavenly citizenship, which the apostle claims as his own and encourages others to embrace. Now,the original Greek word carries a unique and deep meaning. It refers to the rights of a city or community, which a person may hold and faithfully uphold even when far from that place. Thus, the translation "our citizenship" emerges. In this sense, the term includes two main aspects. We have a share in heaven and a bond with it as our city; and we act in a way that aligns with such a share and bond.

1. The words indicate a share in heaven or a link to it as our city. It is widely understood that a man could hold the rights of a citizen of Rome, without ever having visited there. "I," said the apostle, "am a citizen by birth."{Acts 22:28} These rights were sometimes bought or inherited; as the captain told Paul, he gained that freedom with a large sum. However, none of the sinful sons of Adam can claim to be citizens of heaven in either of these ways. They are not citizens by birth, for they come from wrongdoers who lost their own right, and that of their children, to this heavenly citizenship. Nor do they have any wealth in their poor state to claim so great a purchase.

Nevertheless, some, despite their natural poverty and misery, may now say, through grace, that they are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. They are, in this way, loved, though once not loved, and are entitled to this heavenly city, despite originally being outsiders from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenant of promise, among other things.

As this is so important a matter, let us examine various traits of such individuals, forming the basis of their share in the heavenly city. They are strongly led to believe in its existence, to value it greatly, to carefully seek the path to obtain it, and to fully accept the conditions set for its acquisition.

i) The citizens of heaven firmly believe in the existence of that blessed place. This belief must be the foundation of all their dedication to it and the driving force behind all their efforts to reach it. He who seeks it must believe that it exists, must be completely convinced that it is not, as some have disrespectfully claimed, merely the imaginative dream of an overly enthusiastic mind, nor is it an ideal place known only through descriptions and fantasies; rather, the existence of earth itself is no more certain than that of heaven. We know, says the apostle, that we have a home with God. In addition,

ii) The citizens of heaven stay firmly convinced of its great value. Otherwise, they would not commit themselves to pursuing it with such strong effort and, as often happens, achieving it at such a high cost. The preferences of all men for things that are visible and temporary are certainly strong. However, every good man is led to state with the apostle, We decide, we conclude through careful thought, that neither the difficulties of this present world, on one hand, nor its attractions, on the other, are in any way worthy of comparison with the glory which shall be revealed.{Romans 8:18} This is not just a theoretical idea, but it is his practical judgment. As a result of this,

iii) The citizen of heaven seeks the way to become a member of that blessed city. He eagerly explores how he may claim this happiness for himself, to experience it personally, not through someone else. The gospel provides that guidance, and indeed that life, which only the gospel can offer, clearly showing that he must become an adopted son of God to share in this blessed inheritance. To achieve that adoption, he must be in Christ. As a result of that adoption, he must reflect his heavenly Father, gaining a blessed harmony with the spirit and nature of this joyful state. Accordingly,

iv) A citizen of heaven willingly follows this proposed path. He not only accepts it but fully agrees with it. He understands that it is completely appropriate and suitable, as outlined by the gospel's framework. Therefore, he is eager to accept Christ, to welcome him, so that he may gain the privilege of becoming a child of God. He desires to be shaped and formed into a mindset that aligns with this hope of a heavenly kingdom, and he actively works to be made worthy to share in the inheritance among the saints in light.

2. To have our citizenship in heaven further means that we behave in a way suitable to our connection to it, as our city, and our share in it as such. Similar words express this idea. When the apostle states, "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ," {Philippians 1:27} he means, let your actions and conduct in life align with it. Likewise, do not simply claim to belong to the heavenly society and community, but show it through your lives, not just by one or two specific actions, but by the overall pattern of them. Let us consider several aspects clearly included in this part of the encouragement, which is indeed the main focus, with the other aspect, the fact that we have a share in heaven, serving only as its foundation.

i) A citizenship in heaven means that the heavenly realm is a regular focus of our thoughts and conversations. It indicates that we often consider heaven. Can we forget our home? If, by God’s guidance, we are called to be far from it, how often do we recall its image! Indeed, if we were preparing to live in a place where a great estate and important privileges awaited us, how it would fill our minds, and how eager we would be to learn more about it! How it would shape both our conversations and our thoughts! When heavenly travelers gather in friendly and open discussion, it seems appropriate that the blessed hope toward which they journey should often be mentioned; they should work to make their shared friendship a way of improving their preparation for it. This prompts us to note that,

ii) A heavenly citizenship also means that we stay cautious against an overly strong attachment to earth and its enjoyments. A man cannot serve two masters: he cannot pursue two ultimate goals. He who is truly a citizen of heaven will, as a result, be a stranger on earth. Such a one is, by divine grace, taught to recognize that time is short; therefore, he works to moderate his feelings toward the most appealing and attractive things here. Following the encouragement, remembering that "those who have wives live as though they had none," {1 Corinthians 7:29} he states, "I am going home; these are temporary scenes; it matters little whether so brief a journey is pleasant or unpleasant, fair or foul: let it be a direct path; let it be a certain and close way to my home, and I am satisfied."

iii) A heavenly citizenship also involves a commitment to maintain communication with the city to which we belong. Who would stop all contact with his homeland while abroad? Merchants or others living in foreign lands send letters and goods there; likewise, we should do the same while here on earth. We should daily uphold our connection with heaven through faith and prayer, managing all our affairs to best support our interests there. Let it be especially noted that our Lord has described all acts of genuine Christian charity in this way, as preparing "moneybags that do not grow old... a treasure in the heavens that does not fail,"{Luke 12:33} and as a way to make ourselves friends of the unrighteousness wealth, so that when it fails, we may be welcomed into everlasting homes. The apostle Paul describes Christians as ready to give, eager to share, as building a strong foundation for the future, that they may seize eternal life. {1 Timothy 6:18, 19} Surely, we cannot imagine a more powerful reason to continue in every good work.

iv) To possess our citizenship in heaven demands careful attention to avoid any action that might endanger our rights to the privileges of that blessed community or even raise doubts about it. The apostle urges us to be cautious, lest, with a promise of entering His rest still available, we might, by any means, even seem to miss it. {Hebrews 4:1} The good man depends on the firm hope of heavenly joy: he views it as his share, his all; he would feel completely lost by anything that could ultimately threaten it. Thus, he lives carefully, as if surrounded by dangers, and opposes, with unwavering resolve, the risks present in his current situation.

v) Citizenship in heaven suggests a strong commitment to the interests of that heavenly community to which we have the privilege of being connected. A citizen of Rome could reasonably be expected to care about the honor and well-being of Rome; similarly, the citizens of heaven can be expected to show such care for their blessed city. Therefore, the good man will work to avoid any action that might disgrace it or bring shame to the community of which he is a part. He will also be eager to increase the number of those who belong to it, naturally taking any opportunity to bring more people to God and to prepare more heirs for heaven. He will show special care for those who are part of this community, as well as for himself. He will love them and seek their well-being; while he does good to all as opportunities come, he will be especially ready to do so for those who are of the household of faith. {Galatians 6:10}

vi) To nurture our citizenship in heaven requires that our souls align with the practices and behaviors of that blessed realm. This, as was previously noted, is a vital part of our preparation for it, and it naturally relates to the situation described. A man who belonged to Rome and expected to live there would certainly be eager to learn the language and become familiar with the customs of the Romans, so he would not seem like an outsider among them. Similarly, the Christian seeks to learn the language of heaven: he strives to adapt himself to live, to some degree, as he must live in heaven, and he understands that this involves a life of devotion and a life of love. This holy principle, therefore, he fosters, desiring to love the Lord his God with all his heart and his neighbor as himself, while tempering his attachment to those things meant only as temporary comforts during this journey, which must be left behind, so to speak, at the gate of heaven, as they serve no further purpose.

vii) To nurture our citizenship in heaven also requires a constant readiness to move there whenever God commands such a transition. He is the supreme Lord of both realms, and thus his release from one and his call to the other must be obeyed. It is entirely inappropriate for citizens of heaven to be unwilling to leave this earth when doing so is greatly to their advantage. We are told that some Israelites, when Cyrus allowed their return to Canaan, chose to stay in Babylon because they had formed connections, established their homes, and gained possessions there. However, we view it as an unworthy response when the city of God, to which they were called, lay in ruins and needed rebuilding at great cost and danger.

In contrast, the new Jerusalem exists in its perfect state and glory: consider then how beneficial it is for its citizens to be willing to leave this wilderness to settle in their eternal home, alongside their closest relatives and dearest friends. A firm readiness for this journey, regardless of our circumstances here—whether comfortable or promising—is a key part of this admirable attitude, as shown by the apostle in the text; and its value for our imitation will be clear from the second general: To which we now proceed,

II. To promote the heavenly mindset which has been described. Here, both aspects of it will be highlighted: that you may secure a place in heaven as your city and live in a way that reflects its importance.

1. Let me urge upon your consciences and my own that we seek a place in heaven as our city. Here, only two points will be emphasized. Its exceptional value deserves our preference, and the uncertain nature of our life here should compel us to pursue it as our only refuge.

i) The splendor of the heavenly city makes it highly worthy of our preference. Glorious things are indeed spoken of you, O city of God! {Psalm 87:3} Yet, all the grandest descriptions fall short of its true splendor, for "what no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him". {1 Corinthians 2:9} Everything that could make a city appealing is present here—the safety and beauty of the place, and the quality of its residents.

The safety of the place deserves attention. What was said of the ancient Zion applies even more strongly to this city: "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." {Psalm 46:5} Even if kings were to gather, none could come near to throw a stone or shoot an arrow into it. Its unbreakable walls are secure from all dangers, even from the forces of hell itself. The mighty power of God surrounds it; his watchful eye guards it constantly.

Its beauty surpasses anything on earth. It exceeds our imagination so much that it is described as having streets of gold, gates of pearl, and walls of the most precious stones—symbolic language that conveys a glory far beyond any earthly city. As for the joy of its setting, we are assured that a river, whose streams make glad the city of our God in the dwelling of the Most High, flows there; even the river of life, coming from his own throne, lined on each side with the trees of life. There, all necessary provisions are made for the support of a glorified and immortal body, as well as for the joy of a pure and perfected spirit, in open connection with the blessed God, with whom, indeed, is the source of life, and in whose light we shall see the purest light.

This is the great glory and joy of the heavenly Jerusalem: the Lord shall be its everlasting light, all days of sorrow shall be forever ended, and a crown of glory will be worn, never to fade. And it is said that its residents shall all be holy. Certainly, neither the beauty of the setting nor any external features of a place can delight a thoughtful and social mind as much as the joy of compatible company. How fortunate we sometimes feel in the presence of a few chosen, wise, and virtuous friends, in whom we can fully trust, with whom we can share an easy and secure closeness, gaining from them and being enriched by them in knowledge and faith.

This is but a faint glimpse of the heavenly society, where all are wise, virtuous, friendly, and joyful. Their circumstances are free from all distress, their persons from all flaws, their character from all imperfections; and, to complete the picture, our own shall be so too, preparing us to value their companionship and entitling us to share in it.

Let us never forget that, among all his saints, upon a throne of exalted glory, the Son of God resides and reigns—Jesus, whom, having not seen, we love, in whom, though now we see him not, yet, believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. All these delightful ideas are brought together by the apostle: "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering," {Hebrews 12:22} and so forth.

Reflect on the conditions of your life on earth and the society around you, even in its best state, and decide whether any comparison can be made; consider whether a place in heaven and a right to the privileges of that blessed realm would not be desirable and appealing, even if you could choose to stay on earth forever, should you wish. But, moreover, you know this is far from possible. Therefore, furthermore,

ii) You should be persuaded to seek a place in heaven, since your life here is so uncertain, and soon heaven will be your only refuge. And so we may say, Arise, depart, this is not your rest. It cannot be so. You have, as the apostle argues, no lasting city here; thus, you should seek one that is to come. Is this not a true picture of your situation? Consider all the past generations of mankind. Our fathers, where are they? And their fathers? And theirs? They once walked the earth, many living in the same land, the same town, perhaps even the same house; but they have passed on, taken their turn, and departed. You know, you certainly know, that in a short time an order of removal will be enforced, and you too must leave.

This earthly home will be taken apart; and when you part with the body, you part with all the possessions, pleasures, and comforts tied to it. Is it not vital for an immortal being to have something greater and better than brief earthly joy? If you are not citizens of heaven, if you have no home or possessions there, what will become of you? What can you expect but to wander hopeless and empty, lacking all things? Yet, is this the actual picture? No, you cannot expect anything even so tolerable as this. The fixed order of the spiritual realm dictates that when you enter it, you must be either citizens of heaven or captives of hell: you must take your place among the wicked who face everlasting punishment, if not among the righteous who enter eternal life.

Reflect on the terrifying description of that burning place, whose pyre is vast and towering, kindled by the breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone; {Isaiah 30:33} then decide whether it is not wise to seek and secure a share in the treasures and privileges of heaven, rather than remain open to such dangers and horrors. Now, let us move on to what one might assume is the simpler part of our encouragement:

2. To promote behavior fitting this relationship and hope. What such behavior involves has already been described in many instances and the duties tied to it are many.

i) Reflect on the necessity of possessing a specific mindset and conduct to secure your place in heaven. Without this mindset, you cannot claim a covenant right or demonstrate true suitability for it. Without such a disposition, you lack any rightful claim to it. Holiness includes everything which has been described and more, for it is written that without holiness no man shall see the Lord: {Hebrews 12:14} that nothing impure will enter the new Jerusalem. You cannot expect the heavenly realm’s order to change for you; without this mindset and conduct, you have no genuine suitability for it.

There is an essential preparation, which everyone ought to consider more, for becoming fit for the inheritance among the saints in light. And can such fitness exist without the mindset which has been described in its various aspects? If a man neither thinks nor speaks of heaven, if his heart is focused on this world, if he has no connection with heaven, if he daily engages in actions that forfeit his place there, if he shows no enthusiasm for it, no effort to learn and follow the ways of its inhabitants, and is ultimately taken away, dragged unwillingly from earth, thinking of heaven only as an escape from hell, is it reasonable that such a person should dwell there eternally? In contrast, when the mindset which has been recommended is present in your souls, you may see it as the work of God’s Spirit, assuring you that the privileges of this blessed realm are yours; and as a result, you may easily believe,

ii) That the more you center your life on heaven, the more enjoyable your existence on earth will become. Such a mindset will ease many challenges and sorrows while opening the door to many unique and fulfilling joys. Many of life’s struggles and difficulties will be softened and lightened by this disposition. “Earth is a thorny wilderness; but, blessed be God, I am passing through it. Nothing will trouble me greatly that will not trouble me long,” the Christian may say. “These things cannot block, nor can they reduce my portion and hope in heaven; rather, they will speed up and increase them.” Thus, the apostle argues: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."{2 Corinthians 4:16-18}

Such a mindset also creates the foundation for many unique and deeply valuable joys. For example, joy in solitude, where we can step away from a temporary world, take up the lens of faith, look through it, and see the heavenly Canaan in its full scope. Joy also in companionship; for when holy souls view one another as travelers toward that destination, reflecting on how close they are to the journey’s end and the lasting friendship awaiting them there—a friendship that death will not end, but only briefly pause, ultimately enriching it beyond measure.

Furthermore, it builds the foundation for joy in religious practices. Times of worship are the most joyful moments for the man whose life is focused on heaven; for it is then that he hears of heaven, longs most deeply for it, feels his readiness for it growing strongly, and often receives the blessed Spirit of God, who confirms with his spirit that he is a child of God, and thus an heir to all those indescribable and unknown glories.

iii) To focus our lives on heaven will eliminate the fear of death. It will bring you peace when thinking about it from a distance and likely help ease the struggle when it naturally comes. If death were viewed as the end of everything, as an enemy certain to defeat and destroy us, even if only by ending our existence, we might understandably fear it. Far worse if we imagined hell following it. But when we detach from this world and set our hearts on heaven, death changes in its nature and appearance.

It then becomes a messenger calling us home, an officer appointed by God to open the gate of glory. It does take us from earthly things; but if we have lived with our focus on heaven, giving earthly matters only a small share of our affections, it becomes a passage to a better state, one we have looked forward to through faithful vision. “I will not then say, Have you found me, O my enemy? Rather, I will embrace it and say, You are welcome, O my my friend! Farewell, earth, you have been a tempting wilderness to me. Farewell, faith, my dearest companion here, now no longer needed. Welcome, the end of my journey, the close of my sorrow. Be lifted up, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors! You have admitted the king of glory, and I have his command to enter into his presence.” Such may rightly be, and often are, the feelings and words of a dying saint whose life has been deeply rooted in heaven.

This brings us to our final section, and a few words of application.

1. Let us praise God that this heavenly city is revealed and that we are honored to share in its blessings. Let divine grace be celebrated, for a rest remains for the people of God, and we are not left to perish in the wilderness or to descend, as we deserve, from earth to hell. Instead, eternal life is made clear, and we possess not only the hope but the promise of everlasting life, along with vivid and joyful descriptions of this glorious realm.

We, whose land was once filled with pagan idolatry, are now blessed with the light of this radiant gospel and thus inspired to this lively hope. Let us thank God if we have been guided to choose our portion in heaven and to focus our lives there. We may truly say, He who has shaped us for this very purpose is God. How many reject this beautiful land, perhaps thinking themselves wise in their self-damaging and self-destructive contempt for it! Let us give thanks to God that we have been enabled to see it, awakened to pursue it, and, I hope, called to experience its beginnings. We are on the path to soon arrive there, and in the meantime, we enjoy such present privileges and joys as a result of this connection.

2. How different is the mindset of most who claim faith compared to that of the apostle and every true Christian! How few among those who hear of heaven can say, Our citizenship is there. Sadly how often do their lives show the very opposite, revealing them as opponents of the cross of Christ. They hear of heaven but prefer earth over it, exchanging heaven, so to speak, for mere trifles. They consider themselves unworthy of eternal life. May none of us be of those who act in this way. Let us seriously examine our own hearts; evaluate the spiritual focus of our lives; and remember that a day will come when God will reject all those who have effectively rejected him and his ways. Recognize that the clear differences between the paths of saint and sinner are a clear indication that their destinies will be different.

3. As we close let us earnestly pursue a focus on heaven in our lives. You have heard of it. Your own judgment and conscience must confirm its worth. Ensure that you pursue it, lest your knowledge and approval of it become your downfall. Strive, through divine grace, to develop this blessed mindset. Seek God in prayer, that he may plant it in your souls; that your thoughts and words may become more heavenly, your attachments to earth and its pleasures moderated, the ways of heaven more carefully practiced, your connection with heaven more faithfully maintained, and the interests of heaven more steadily pursued.

Those who have formally committed to a Christian profession, who gather regularly for worship, where Christ is clearly shown the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Remember that you are redeemed from this present world his precious blood, and ensure that your life is centered on heaven. In that realm, purchased by the precious blood of his covenant, dwells the blessed Redeemer whom you so solemnly acknowledge and profess.

To you who are children of godly parents, may you not fail to inherit it! Reflect on that world where your faithful ancestors will reside, awaiting, as it were, your arrival to increase their joy. And aged saints, who have nearly completed their life’s journey, let their focus be on heaven. They are almost done with earth. May earth not consume their hearts when they are so soon to leave it.

Let us, who are concerned for the church and its growth, and for the success of the gospel, be constant in prayer to God, that our experience of divine things may deepen and our connection with heaven grow more constant; so that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in us, and we in him, according to the grace of God our Father and of the Lord Jesus Christ. In his righteousness, our hopes of glory are grounded; by his spirit, they are nurtured and sustained. To him, therefore, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praises.