Dual Citizenship

For the child of God, he is in a unique situation.  While physically he is a citizen of his city, county, state, and nation, he is also a spiritual citizen of Heaven.  Paul wrote to the Philippians instructing them, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20).  By having dual citizenship, there are responsibilities that go along with such a privilege.

First of all, the Christian is be obedient to his King in all matters.  Jesus is an absolute monarch over his kingdom, the church.  As such, Jesus has the right to dictate to His kingdom how things should be.  As citizens of His kingdom, we do not have the authority to change His laws.  Instead, if we want to be faithful citizens of His kingdom, we must be obedient.

Paul described our King and His authority by stating, “Wives submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:  and he is the saviour of the body.  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing” (Eph. 5:22-24).  There is no area of our lives that Christ does not have authority.  In fact, we are taught, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).  Sadly, there are so many that reject the authority of our King.  Instead of being faithful, obedient servants, some choose to be defiant, haughty backsliders.  Their refusal to obey the King does not go unnoticed.  The Lamb’s book of life keeps a record of those who are faithful and those who are not faithful (Rev. 20:12; 21:27).  Paul knew the importance of obeying the king, and he wrote the church in Corinth about such.  He mentioned, “For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things” (2 Cor. 2:9).  Our spiritual citizenship should be demonstrated by faithfulness.

Secondly, as a citizen, the Christian has a responsibility to obey the laws of whatever physical government exists where he lives.  There is one exception to this, and that is if the law of the physical government does not agree with the law of Christ.  Whenever that situation arises, we must always obey the law of Christ instead of the laws of men.  Luke wrote, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).  Apart from that exception, Christians must be faithful citizens of their physical governments.  Paul taught, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For this is no power but of God:  the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God:  and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?  do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  For he is the minister of God to thee for good.  But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:  for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  For for this cause pay ye tribute also:  for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  Render therefore to all their dues:  tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour” (Rom. 13:1-7).

Peter also commented on this matter.  He wrote, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake:  whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God” (1 Pet. 2:13-16).

Even our King, spoke on this issue while on the Earth.  “And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s” (Luke 20:25).

Christians should make sure that their citizenships are in good standing.  Are we obeying our King in everything?  Are we obedient to physical government when their laws do not violate Christ’s law?  Only by doing these things are we truly faithful servants.
~ Corey Barnette