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I. THE CITIZENSHIP. The meaning of the apostle is expressed more fully in Ephesians 2:19; Hebrews 12:22; Galatians 4:26. Believers are already numbered among the citizens of the eternal city.

1. They are introduced among the denizens of glory by regeneration.

2. They live according to the laws of their Divine sovereign.

3. They enjoy the immunities of the celestial citizenship — freedom from the guilt and power of sin, peace which passeth all understanding, complete safety.

4. They are engaged in the employments of the city of God; for they delight to do His will.

5. These considerations should have a practical influence on our heart and conduct. If citizens of heaven, we ought not to degrade ourselves by the slavery of earth.

II. THE HOPE.

1. The coming of Christ. The original expresses earnest expectation and intense desire. Paul was intent upon and delighted with the animating prospect.

(1) The foundation of the hope was the sure Word of God. For Jesus had repeatedly declared that He would come again (Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26), and the angels at the ascension (Acts 1:11).

(2) At His second advent Jesus will accomplish all the predictions which relate to His kingdom and glory (Daniel 7:13-14).

2. The resurrection of the saints.

(1) The bodies of the faithful will be transformed into the likeness of the glorious body of Christ (Romans 6; 1 Corinthians 15:1). Christ's glorious body is —

(a) Immortal. "Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more." "Neither can they who are counted worthy to attain that world and the resurrection from the dead die any more." "Upon such the second death hath no power."(b) Incorruptible; and so the bodies of God's people will be free from all deformity and sin. "Sown in corruption" they shall be "raised in incorruption."(c) Identical. As Christ was known after His resurrection, so every believer will be known to those with whom he conversed here.

(d) Spiritual. Christ stood before His disciples when the doors were shut. And though we know little of the change which will pass upon us, we may safely believe that the body will be refined from all that now causes it to hang as a clog upon the aspirations and operations of the immaterial spirit. The senses will be wonderfully improved, so that we shall see God, hear the harmonies of the celestial choir, taste the rivers of pleasures, and speak the language of heaven.

(2) Wondrous is this blessed hope; but let it not be thought incredible. As if to silence every objection, the text tells us that the transformation will be effected by the almighty power of God.

(C. Neat.)

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KJV: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

WEB: For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;