"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20

God's word is rich concerning this heavenly citizenship. It is my hope that as we look into Scripture, we will gain a greater understanding of this glorious place. This place of which Believers are citizens by our new birth in Christ in which we rejoice with thanksgiving.

Of this heavenly citizenship Scripture tells us-- It is a source of joy:
Jesus is speaking to the seventy on the return from their mission (Luke 10:17-20), "Nevertheless do no rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Vs. 20

It promises a place of permanent residence:
Jesus speaking comfort to His disciples (John 14:1-4) "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." Vs. 2

There is a register kept there of the names of the citizens:
"But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." Revelation 21:27

Heaven, the dwelling place of true Believers-- It is a safe place for treasures:
Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount says,
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth more rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20

It is a place where our glorified Christ has entered:
Stephen just before he was stoned to death, "But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
Acts 7:55-56

Christ is our access! In the list of I AM's of Christ we see that He is the
door:
"Then Jesus said to them again, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.'" John 10:7 "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." Vs. 9 "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." Vs.28

Obedience is the condition of entrance:
"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter through the gates into the city."
Revelation 22:14

We live now under an open heaven with free access to our Heavenly Father:
"For through Him (Christ) we both have access by one Spirit to the Father."
Ephesians 3:18
And in verses 11-12,
"...According to the eternal purpose which He (God) accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him."

Therefore:
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Hebrews 10:22

And who does the washing? Ephesians 5:25-27 tells us, "...Just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her; that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless."

We are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus so let us rejoice and be glad! We are sojourners in this world, let's be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit that we may accomplish the works our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.

Father, be glorified in and through these lives that you have given us. 
Amen