For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. (Philippians 3:20-21,4:1)
Waiting patiently, but with great expectation Paul here is encouraging his readers to remain steady and faithful in their walk knowing what lies ahead. Our citizenship in heaven is where God dwells and Christ after His resurrection is present. Where our names are registered in a book, where no one who’s name is not registered can enter in. A place where the Bible describes as “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4) The Greek word for “transform” gives us the word “schematic” which is an internal design of something. Those who are already dead in Christ from history past, but alive with the Lord in spirit in heaven (2Cor.5:8), will receive new bodies at the resurrection and rapture of the church. When those who are alive at that time of Christ’s coming, will have their bodies transformed (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).
In either camp, Paul here writes with great anticipation and reveals his deep affection for the Philippian believers calling them my joy and crown, Paul did not derive his joy from circumstances, but from his fellow believers.
Friend in Christ, Others in your and my life need to be loved this way. The supernatural love of a Spirit-filled believer is contageous, and trustworthy, and will make a difference in our world today.
May the Lord bless your walk today!
