OUR CONVERSATION IS IN HEAVEN

Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.

Paul has just completed his warning to the church at Philippi about the enemies of the cross of Christ,that is,false preachers and teachers that were motivated by their own covetousness, and teach spiritual error in order to gain a following that are willing to financially support their selfish desires. The lesson text contrasts these enemies of Christ, to true and faithful followers of Christ. To this latter group known as Christians, Paul included himself, when he wrote,for our conversation is in heaven. The word "conversation" is used extensively in the bible with two primary meanings. First, it is used to indicate verbal communication between groups of people or between individuals. Secondly, it is used when referring to one's conduct of life. However, neither of these translations applies entirely to its use in the subject lesson text. The NKJV more correctly translated the word "conversation" from the original language word politeuma, as "citizenship" in heaven rather than conversation in heaven. But it also carries with it the idea of a behavior that is becoming to a citizen of heaven.

Again, considering the contrast Paul uses here, the enemies of Christ place their citizenship in the world and demonstrate a behavior that reflects their loyalty to it. Christians, however, conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates loyalty to Jesus Christ and places their citizenship in heaven. Each person here on earth, by his or her action, is a citizen of either the world or of heaven. The world and heaven have opposing rules, regulations, and demands for one to follow, therefore dual citizenship is not possible. This is the very essence of Jesus' teaching in His "Sermon on the Mount." There He said, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24).

One of the most important tenets of Christianity is contained in this phrase of the lesson text - from whence also we look for the Savior. Christian citizenship is in heaven, and it is there we look for the Savior. We look for the Son of God to come from heaven, because it is there that our Savior came from originally to temporarily reside on earth as a human being, and it is there, from His throne, He reigns today. While on earth, He was wrongfully condemned to die a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, He was buried, arose from the grave, He ascended back into heaven, and there currently lives with God, as ruler of His kingdom, which spans all things in heaven and on earth. All this, being the plan of salvation from the beginning of time, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse the sins of mankind and reconcile obedient Christians to God.

Believing this tenet, all children of God look to heaven, from whence salvation will come through our Savior. The hope of eternal life for all Christians lies in this promise of Christ: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3).

Our human, corruptible bodies, referred to here as our vile bodies, will be changed into bodies suitable for eternity in heaven. Our bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body. The apostle, John wrote, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is (1 John 3:2). To be raised from death, ascend into heaven, and spend eternity in the presence of God, it is necessary that our mortal bodies be given immortality - changed into bodies like that of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This corruptible body cannot enter heaven. We must look to the power of Jesus, Himself, for this bodily change that is necessary to make one suitable for eternal salvation.

We can search the world over for another that can offer eternal salvation, but to no avail. Salvation cannot be found on earth. It can only come from above. The eyes of all Christians must be fixed on heaven as the only source of salvation. To look elsewhere is vain. To be like Jesus Christ in heaven, we must strive to be Christ-like here on earth. We must be good citizens of His kingdom on earth to enjoy His kingdom in heaven. Look upward - Our Conversation is in Heaven!