I was born a British citizen. This year I became a Canadian citizen as well. Citizenship and Immigration Canada are fully aware of my dual citizenship but they have no idea that I also have a third. I am also a citizen of Heaven!
There are criteria that a person must meet before being eligible for citizenship. One of these is having no criminal history. To be eligible for Heaven you must admit that you HAVE done wrong and sinned against God. What a difference! Many, who were affirmed citizens at the same time as me, came from countries of oppression. To finally be free and feel safe was a great relief to them. Sin ensnares our lives in bondage that is much greater than an oppressive nation, for “Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin” ( John 8:34).
It cost $200 to become a citizen of Canada but it cost me nothing to ensure I was going to Heaven. However, it cost the Lord Jesus Christ His life. He paid the price for my sin so I could enter Heaven with a clean record in the sight of God.
Although I had lived in Canada for ten years and have a Canadian husband, I wasn’t Canadian. I had to take action! In the same way I had to make a definite application of faith in Christ. Growing up with Christian parents, going to church and doing your best does not make you a Christian. It is a personal matter and you must come on God’s terms. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
To become a citizen I had to swear allegiance to the Queen. To be in Heaven, our allegiance must also change. We must turn our back on sin and accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
The Government of Canada can revoke my citizenship at any time. My Heavenly citizenship can never be revoked! Even though I have pledged my allegiance to Jesus Christ, I still sin at times (to my dismay). The payment that was made for me at the cross was enough to ensure that I am forever safe: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” ( John 10:28).
Citizenship secures benefits for those to whom it is granted. Heaven bestows the BEST benefits! I now have a restored relationship with God, my sins are forgiven, I have eternal life and I KNOW that I will be in Heaven. “Our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
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