If those who are in Christ do not belong in this world, where do they belong and where is their home?

Believers are “exiles and sojourners” on this earth (1 Peter 1:3, 17; 2:11). At the same time, we have a spiritual citizenship and family as described in Ephesians 2:17-22.

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Within this family, Paul goes on to explain our new life in Christ’s kingdom.

“…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Ephesians 1:18-23)

As Christians, our place of belonging – with people of like faith – is in the church of Christ where Jesus reigns. His church is where we find love and purpose for our lives. No matter where we find ourselves on earth, we can be a part of a local congregation Christ’s body. We don’t have to walk alone; we have a spiritual family to grow with into the likeness of Jesus.

Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Like the ancient believers, who were “strangers and exiles on the earth,” they “desire a better country, a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:13, 16). “Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one that is to come” (13:14). Jesus promised to return. When he does, everything earthly will be turned into cinders and ashes (2 Peter 3:7, 10, 12). Believers eagerly anticipate “a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells” (3:13). They will be with the Lord forever. He has now gone to prepare a place for them to be with him forever (John 14:2-3).