Citizens of Another Government
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Now notice Philippians 3:20: “For our conversation [the Greek word here, politeuma, should be properly translated citizenship] is in heaven; from where also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This is a fascinating verse. It reveals that a Christian’s “citizenship” is held in heaven, not on earth. It explains WHY Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” It is from another place—from heaven. This scripture complements and reinforces John 18:36. Human leaders come from a certain city, state, province or country that they represent. So does Christ. He comes from heaven. A Christian’s citizenship is also held there and comes from there.
Christians Are Ambassadors
Let’s now examine II Corinthians 5:20: “Now then we are AMBASSADORS for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be you reconciled to God.”
I attended AMBASSADOR COLLEGE, from 1967-1971, to prepare and train for the ministry. This was one of three colleges that was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong and operated within the Worldwide Church of God. Mr. Armstrong saw II Corinthians 5:20 and decided upon this name because it best reflected what Ambassador College students were intended to become.
Those who were accepted had to really know why they wanted to attend. And once they arrived, they were taught what it meant to be an “Ambassador.” As a student, I learned that I was in training to hold this office. High standards were set so that high standards could be attained. They addressed every facet of student life: Studies, finances, health, appearance, work, athletics, clubs, dating and spiritual growth. If anyone did not strive to reach them, he simply did not remain an “Ambassador” at Ambassador College.
The Greek word for ambassador—presbeuo—is also interesting. While it means ambassador, the word president comes from it, as does Presbyterian. The most literal meaning of presbeuo is “representative.” In the United States, we have the House of Representatives. These elected officials answer to and, in fact, are supposed to represent the will of the people who elected them. All democratic governments, in which the people select their representatives, work in a similar fashion.
In one sense, it is the same with Christians, who are ambassadors, or representatives, of Jesus Christ. So, it could as easily be said that I attended “Representative College,” because I was training to become His representative.
Any ambassador knows that if he represents a country, such as the United States, as an ambassador to Russia, China or any other country, he cannot participate in the politics or affairs of the country to which he is appointed. This is because he participates in the politics of the country he represents. He is a “presbeuo” (representative), an ambassador, of another country. He also cannot fight or bear arms for the country to which he is sent. Would a United States ambassador fight for the French Foreign Legion? Would an Israeli ambassador fight for Syria or Egypt?
Of course not!
Christians are ambassadors for a different government—and citizens of it, of the kingdom of God. They can no longer participate in man’s systems of government. Their citizenship is derived and held by another authority—HEAVEN!
Serving Two Masters
The following verse summarizes the principles previously discussed. Notice Matthew 6:24: “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. You cannot serve God and mammon [money].”
No one can give equal allegiance, or complete loyalty, to two different masters. Eventually, one takes precedence over the other and dominates the thinking of the person. Christians must be totally loyal to the government that they represent. As with citizens of any country on earth, they cannot also participate in the politics of any nation other than their own. They can actually lose their rights of citizenship if they do this. Christians are no different! They cannot serve two masters.
Acts 5:29 explained that God’s servants must always “obey God rather than men.” If one is a citizen of a kingdom that is waiting in heaven to come to earth and replace all of the governments of earth, then he cannot stand with his feet resting in two opposing governments—God’s and Satan’s.
Look closer at this principle. How can a Christian obey the Sixth Commandment, along with Christ’s much additional instruction, and at the same time obey his national government’s instruction to fight and kill other people? In the end, he must choose whether his allegiance is to his spiritual Master in heaven or physical earthly “masters.”