For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:18-21 ESV)
The heart of God is for all men to come to the cross in repentance. To those who refuse - their end is destruction.
Why?
. Their God is their belly.
. They glory in their shame.
. Their minds are set on earthly things.
Heavenly citizenship is a gift, an offer to be received or refused. We are not forced to join a Kingdom we don't want to be a part of. At the same time the King announces what He knows will happen in the future.
He knows His Kingdom is everlasting and everything else will pass away. The three reasons above are given to clarify what His Kingdom will be like. There are qualifications required to be a part of this Kingdom. Emotionally, with tears describe an unqualified one from this Kingdom.
We are not 'citizens' of New Zealand, but we have gone through the process and have qualified and accepted the right to permanent residency. Without cooperating, agreeing with the process they require we would not be accepted. If we had not the consequences would not have been so severe, but we would not be coming and going to New Zealand as often as we like.
There was a deadline for us to qualify. If we applied today..it would be too late. There is a deadline to receive this citizenship. If they don't want the privileges of heavenly citizenship they are warned it means destruction for them
Linda Livengood
Revival Reports from Doorkeepers (Facebook page)
