There once was a man who lived in a foreign country that longed to live in the U.S. The man applied for a visa. He was granted a one-year visa. During his stay in the U.S., the man fell in love with this country. He learned the language, he learned the pledge of allegiance, and he obeyed the laws of the land. If you didn’t know that he had only lived here for a short period of time, you would have concluded that he had lived here most of his life and that he was a model citizen. As the year passed, the man failed to request for an extension of his visa, and he failed to start the necessary process to apply for citizenship. One day the man went to apply for a job. He was asked for proof of citizenship. He could not produce any, nor could he produce a valid visa. Immigrations was called, and the man was sent back to his own homeland. For one to become a citizen of the U.S., the lawful requirements for citizenship must be abided by and met.
In a similar manner, most people desire to become citizens of the Lord’s kingdom, and to secure a home in Heaven. There will, though, be many who will attempt to avert the requirements for citizenship in the Lord’s kingdom. They will attend church on a regular basis, they will get baptized and join a church, and they will tithe of their income. These same people may pray aloud, may teach a Sunday school class, and may even pastor a church. And, yes, some of these may even tell others how to be saved. If you were to look at their lives, you may conclude that they are model citizens of the Lord’s kingdom.
But let it be understood, there will be a day when the Lord will ask for your proof of citizenship. So now you might ask, “What are God’s requirements for one to become a citizen of the Lord’s kingdom?” God’s Word declares that citizenship in the Lord’s kingdom can only be received through faith – by repenting of your sins and trusting in Jesus Christ unto God’s salvation. Notice the following Scriptures.
John 3:16,
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 14:6,
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Acts 4:12,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
John 3:36,
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
Romans 10:9-10,
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:13,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The Scriptures further declare that “trying to live a life as a Christian” will not qualify one for citizenship in the Lord’s kingdom.
Ephesians 2:8-9,
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 3:27-28,
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Matthew 7:21-23,
“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. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Without proof of citizenship (that is, repentance and trust [faith] in Jesus Christ), all of the works that one might do in the name of God will be in vain. And then the Lord will sadly state, “Depart, for I never knew you.” Are you truly a citizen of the Lord’s kingdom? What’s your proof of citizenship?
