What Does Philippians 3:20 Mean?
Philippians 3:20 reminds us that as believers, our true home is not on earth but in heaven. We no longer live for this world alone, because our citizenship belongs to a better place - God’s eternal kingdom. While we live here, we look forward to Jesus returning as our Savior, as He promised in John 14:3: 'And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.'
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Key Facts
Book
Author
Paul the Apostle
Genre
Epistle
Date
Approximately AD 60-62, during imprisonment in Rome
Key People
- Paul
- Jesus Christ
- Believers in Philippi
Key Themes
- Heavenly citizenship
- Eternal hope in Christ
- Living under God's kingdom authority
- The return of Jesus as Savior
Key Takeaways
- Our true home is heaven, not this world.
- We live by heaven’s values while on earth.
- Christ’s return gives purpose to our present life.
Citizens of Heaven, Living in the World
To really grasp what Paul means by 'our citizenship is in heaven,' it helps to know that he was writing to believers in Philippi - a city proud of its Roman citizenship and status.
Philippi was a Roman colony, meaning its citizens enjoyed special rights and privileges, took great pride in their identity, and looked forward to the benefits of being part of the empire. By saying 'our citizenship is in heaven,' Paul flips that pride on its head - no longer do we boast in earthly status or power, but in a kingdom that surpasses all. He’s telling them that their true belonging, their real rights and future hope, are not tied to Rome but to God’s eternal city.
This shifts how we live today: if heaven is our home, we live with purpose and hope, not chasing temporary honors, but reflecting the values of the Savior we await.
Living Under a Different Kingdom’s Authority
Paul’s use of 'citizenship is in heaven' taps into a powerful idea back then - people knew what it meant to belong to a kingdom, but he redefines it entirely around God’s rule.
The Greek word *politeuma* refers to a way of life shaped by a governing authority. It is more than legal status and describes how you live day to day. In Philippi, Roman citizens took pride in their laws, culture, and emperor, but Paul says believers are governed by a different King and a future city. He’s contrasting two kingdoms: one temporary and flawed, the other eternal and perfect. This isn’t spiritual talk - it means our true loyalty isn’t to any nation, political system, or cultural ideal of the moment.
Back in Jeremiah 4:23, the prophet describes the earth as 'formless and empty,' a wasteland under God’s judgment - showing how broken human kingdoms become when they reject God. Paul’s readers would’ve known this history: Israel’s downfall came from trusting in human power instead of God’s promises. Now, Paul flips the script - our hope isn’t in rebuilding earthly glory but in waiting for Jesus, who will return not as a conqueror in the Roman sense, but as Savior who restores all things.
So while we live in this world, we do so as ambassadors of heaven, living by a different standard. And one day, as Jesus promised, He will come from that heavenly city to bring us home.
Living with Hope That Shapes How We Live Now
Our hope in heaven isn’t about escaping this world, but about living differently in it while we wait for Jesus to return.
Back then, Roman citizens lived with pride and purpose because their city shaped how they acted every day. In the same way, Paul wants us to live with purpose now - not withdrawing from life, but living by heaven’s values in everyday choices, relationships, and work.
This fits perfectly with the good news of Jesus: as He promised in John 14:3, He’s preparing a place for us, so our present hope fuels faithful living until that day comes.
Living Between Two Worlds, Holding to One Hope
This promise of heavenly citizenship fits with what Jesus taught about God’s kingdom - already at work among us, yet fully coming in the future, as we pray, 'Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven' (Matthew 6:10).
Jesus told His followers to wait for His return, saying He would come again (John 14:3), and the angels confirmed it when they said, 'This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven' (Acts 1:11). That future hope shapes how we live now - not as people escaping the world, but as those living out heaven’s values in everyday life, as Jesus prayed we would be in the world but not of it (John 17:14-19).
When a church lives like this - rooted in eternal truth while loving the people around them - it becomes a light, showing what God’s kingdom is like here and now, and pointing everyone to the day when 'the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever' (Revelation 11:15).
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a time when I felt completely worn down by the pressure to succeed - chasing promotions, approval, and the next milestone, only to feel emptier each time I reached it. I was living like my worth depended on this world’s scoreboard. But when I truly grasped that my citizenship is in heaven, something shifted. It wasn’t about quitting life or ignoring responsibilities - it was about freedom. I realized I didn’t have to win every argument, climb every rung, or prove myself to anyone. My identity was secure in a kingdom that will never fall. Now, when I face disappointment or failure, I don’t collapse in shame. I remember: I’m not a temporary citizen of a fading world. I’m a child of the living God, waiting for Jesus to return. That truth doesn’t remove hardship, but it gives me peace in the middle of it, and purpose even in the mundane.
Personal Reflection
- Where am I placing my hope - on earthly success, comfort, or approval, rather than on Christ’s return?
- How does knowing my true home is heaven change the way I handle conflict, stress, or daily decisions?
- In what area of my life am I living like a citizen of this world instead of a citizen of heaven?
A Challenge For You
This week, choose one practical way to live out your heavenly citizenship: speak with kindness when you’re tempted to react in anger, give generously without keeping score, or share your hope in Jesus with someone who seems lost. Let your actions reflect that you belong to a different kingdom.
A Prayer of Response
Lord, thank you that my true home is with you. Help me live each day not for the applause of this world, but for your coming kingdom. When I feel anxious or tempted to chase temporary things, remind me that I’m a citizen of heaven. I wait for Jesus, my Savior, to return. Until then, use my life to reflect your love and truth. Amen.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Philippians 3:18-19
Contrasts those whose destiny is destruction with believers whose citizenship is in heaven, setting up the hope of verse 20.
Philippians 3:21
Explains how Jesus will transform our bodies, fulfilling the promise of heavenly citizenship mentioned in verse 20.
Connections Across Scripture
Hebrews 11:10
Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, echoing the eternal hope of heavenly citizenship in Philippians 3:20.
Revelation 21:2
John sees the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from heaven, the fulfillment of our heavenly home.
Colossians 3:1-2
Believers are told to set their minds on things above, reflecting the mindset of heavenly citizens.