IM A PILGRIM THE CHRISTIAN has double citizenship ---in Heaven and on earth. This is true because he has been born twice. He was born to citizenship on the earth by being the child of his earthly mother, but when he submits to the new birth described in John 3, he becomes a citizen of the world to come. His dual citizenship imposes important choices on him, for often there is a sharp conflict of interest between the two worlds. The apostle exhorts us not to be conformed to this world, not to allow our lives to be shaped by its customs and traditions and concepts, inasmuch as this apostate world, a runaway, a rebellious planet, a planet due repair. To be shaped by it is to court disaster. The hidden nature of this present world is aptly described in Galatians 5:19-21 This is the nature of man born physically into this present world. This is why Jesus said, Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again (John 3:7). The man to whom these words were spoken did not understand. Was Christ speaking again of physical birth? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. This is the spiritual birth. This is the necessary requisite for entrance into the kingdom of grace, and grace is that state of fitness for the kingdom of glory. Those who enter into the new birth testify that they are but pilgrims here. Those who, in these later days, declare themselves pilgrims in this world and seekers of a better one are in good company, for Hebrews 11 gives a list of men and women of similar persuasion. In delivering the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ, how often I have seen men perverted in mind, their bodies weakened by destructive habits, suddenly respond to the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen great changes take place in their hearts. They may have been enslaved by the tight grip of vice, but the chains have been broken by the power of divine love. Christ claims another captive, and what happens to the man? He suddenly becomes alive and aware and awake to his own possibilities in Christ, while on this earth he becomes a joy to the heart of God and a marvel to his fellow men. At first his new life is incredible, unbelievable; but he persists, and as word of the genuineness of his experience spreads, others are led to hope because of the change in life. And be not conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth ( Colossians 3:2). The time has come when discernible difference should be evident in the lives of Christians. Men should know from your manner of dress, speech, and action that you have been with Christ and learned of Him. When Peter, in a state of backslidden apostasy rashly denied his Lord with cursing and swearing, it was uncharacteristic of him, for he had been too long with his Lord, and those who heard him exclaimed, Thy speech betrayeth thee! The pilgrim cannot play a dual role. He has a choice to make. Like Moses he must choose and refuse; he must, in the language of little chorus, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In The Light Of His Glory And Grace.
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:28:10 +0000
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