Philippians 3:20 our realm is in heaven

For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Cynically, Paul had portrayed the Judaizers in the preceding verses as minded towards earthly things. The difference between them and “us” is like a difference between heaven and earth. For while they are oriented to the earth, “ our realm is inherent in the heavens”.

The Greek  ‘politeuma’ from which our word ‘politics’ is derived has the meaning of citizenship. This must have sounded familiar to the Philippians since their city was a Roman colony and its inhabitants held the citizenship of Rome. As citizens of Rome, they found themselves abroad. And so it is with us as believers. We may be here on earth, but that is not our realm. After all, we are connected with the Lord Jesus Christ in the heavens and his position there at the right hand of God is also ours (Eph.1:3; 2:6; Col.3:1-4).

Though our citizenship is in the heavens above, our humbled body is still here on earth. Therefore, our hope is in Him who will come from heaven to save us and to conform our bodies to its heavenly destiny!

Delen: