Kingdom Culture: "Who are the heavenly citizens?"

By Eld. Kato Job Enock

Kingdom culture: Who are the heavenly citizens? 

When one accepts Christ as savior and king, it can be likened to an agreement of transfer of citizenship from one citizenship to a higher one.

They are no longer sons of Adam, but sons of God. Romans 8:15 (KJV) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Salvation from sin is a real redemption that takes the believer from one life to another. Through Christ, we are heavenly citizens. We become alien to those of the world. John 15:19 (KJV) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

All in all, despite our differences in doctrines, fundamental beliefs, and customs across Christianity, the main proof of our citizenship is the kingdom culture. All citizens of heaven are holy and righteous, like inhabitants of heaven. 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

We are not children of God if our fruits do not testify to it. Matthew 7:18, 21 (KJV) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

All those who belong to God subscribe to His kingdom, a kingdom and rulership that's in part established in our lives and hearts. A spiritual kingdom, despite physical locations, one that cannot be seen by human eyes. Luke 17:20-21 (KJV) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The distinguishing characteristic of this kingdom is a kingdom culture, a holy and righteous living, a life driven by love and perfect obedience. 

The Kingdom culture is a set of customs but not requirements. They that belong to this kingdom don't do what is right to get to heaven, because they're already heavenly citizens by God's grace. They keep the law of God, they're called God's saints, and their distinguishing characteristic is heavenly loyalty. Revelation 14:12 (KJV) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

They're very keen on how they dress, what they eat, what they say, not because it's a requirement to heaven, but because they're already heavenly citizens. The Kingdom culture is a result of their transformation and regeneration, not to win God's approval. 

The Kingdom's citizens are God's ambassadors, whose sole aim is to represent to the world their lord and king. They're not afraid to call sin by its right name, because their delight is in doing God's will. And God is not ashamed to call them His children. They are a light in the dark world. 1 Corinthians 4:9 (KJV) For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and men.

It's their fruits that declare them, not their profession or denomination. For they daily wash their garments in the blood of the lamb, till they're found without spot. Revelation 7:13-14 (KJV) And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Do you possess the kingdom culture? Do you belong to Christ's kingdom? We can judge our hearts.