19 Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Having spent many years outside my home country, I know what it feels like to be a foreigner. Overcoming language or cultural barriers doesn’t change the fact that certain rights, such as the right to vote, are reserved for citizens. Paul just spent the last few verses detailing how Christ reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God and to each other. As a result, the non-Jewish believers have changed citizenship, so to speak – they now have all the rights and privileges of God’s people.
Using the word “therefore,” Paul signals the conclusion of the entire passage beginning in verse 11. Gentiles and Jews are equal citizens of God’s kingdom and members of God’s family. What does this mean? First, let’s talk about God’s kingdom for a moment; what is it exactly? To put it simply, it’s where God reigns. God’s kingdom is where God’s reign is manifest. Jesus is already reigning. Right now, we belong to this kingdom when we trust Jesus and submit to his rule. His reign is mostly in the spiritual realm. But the day will come when it will become a physical kingdom when Christ returns to earth.
But God wasn’t satisfied with making us citizens of his kingdom. He ensured that people from every nation and tongue could have a relationship with him as children with their father. We can approach our Creator and call him “Father,” enjoying all the benefits of being in his family. God wants an intimate bond with us and has made it possible through Christ. Isn’t that amazing?
I know several people who’ve become American citizens. I’ve never had the privilege of attending the ceremony, but I’ve seen the pictures. Everyone’s faces radiate such joy that it jumps off the screen and brings a smile to your face. Similarly, how can what God has done for us not cause us to rejoice and fill us with gratitude?
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Great Truths to remember Carol! Thanks!
You’re welcome 🙂