No Illegal Aliens In Heaven

Ephesians 2:12-19

Oh the directions some people would take the title of this along with the picture! NO, I am not saying that people who are not legal citizens of the country in which they reside cannot get to Heaven. I want to go ahead and dispel that possible assumption now. Also, this is not based on race (see yesterday's devotion). What I am talking about, based on the Bible, is citizenship in Heaven.

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That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Ephesians 2:12-19

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Paul begins this passage by saying that when we were in our sins (lost), we were not citizens of Israel. He is not talking about the country of Israel, but rather Spiritual Israel. This concept is very prevalent in his letters. Those who are saved by grace through faith are the true Israel and descendants of Abraham, not necessarily those who are of Abraham's bloodline. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become citizens on "Israel".

Being outside of Christ, and "aliens", we were separated from God by a wall. Yes, Revelation describes the walls of Heaven, but that is not what Paul is talking about here. The wall that separated us from God was His righteousness. Because we are sinners, we cannot come into His presence. We are denied access.

As sinners, we are illegal aliens. That is because we have violated God's law. Yes, when you break the law you are a criminal. You are guilty of the law. Criminals lose rights because they chose to not abide by the laws of the land in which they are located. All of creation is God's and so we are under His law no matter where we are. When we violate His righteous standards, we are sinners, criminals, and guilty.

No person can become a citizen of a country unless that country offers citizenship. Yes, in world systems people must apply for citizenship. However, authority to grant citizenship lies in the country, not the individual. The same is true for Heaven. We do not get ourselves into Heaven by making ourselves citizens. No, we must accept the invitation for salvation and then Heaven grants us citizenship. At that point, we are no longer outsiders, and divided from God and Heaven. As citizens, we enjoy all the rights, privileges, and duties of citizenship.

What I love about the Commonwealth of Israel is that there are no restrictions on citizenship; so long as you come legally. Country of origin is not a problem. Prior criminal records do not disqualify. Family of origin is not a consideration. Your socioeconomic status does not matter and you do not have to bribe government officials to get your citizenship processed. Jesus has done all the work and paid the whole price. Your certificate of citizenship is the Holy Spirt that lives within you and your citizenship will never be revoked.

Father, thank you for my citizenship in Heaven. I thank you for the fair and free process of salvation. I pray that you would open doors of opportunity for me to share the message of salvation with others.