What does it mean to be citizens of heaven? It means we're under heaven's government, with Christ as our King reigning in our hearts. Our daily prayer is, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We embrace the proclamations from the throne of glory, willingly obeying the decrees of the Great King.

As citizens of the New Jerusalem, we share heaven's honors. The glory given to perfected believers is ours, for we're already God's children, royal heirs. We wear the spotless robe of Jesus' righteousness and have angels as servants, believers as companions, Christ as our Brother, God as our Father, and a crown of immortality as our reward. We share the privileges of citizenship, joining the assembly and Church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven. As citizens, we have a shared right to all that heaven holds.

The gates of pearl, walls of chrysolite, and the city that needs no light but God's are ours. We share the river of life and the twelve fruits on the tree of life. Nothing in heaven is withheld from us. Everything present or future is ours. As citizens of heaven, we also enjoy its joys. Do they rejoice over repentant sinners returning home? So do we. Do they praise triumphant grace? We do too. Do they cast their crowns at Jesus' feet? We cast ours there as well. Are they captivated by His smile? It's equally sweet to us here on earth. Do they eagerly await His second coming? We also long for His appearance. If we're citizens of heaven, let our walk and actions match our high calling.