The Bible clearly affirms that believers are not meant to feel entirely at home in this world. Verses like Hebrews 11:13-16, 1 Peter 2:11, and Philippians 3:20 describe followers of Christ as “foreigners,” “strangers,” and “citizens of heaven.” These verses remind us that our true identity and eternal home are not found in earthly things, but in the kingdom of God. This perspective encourages us to view life as a temporary journey toward something far greater—a heavenly city prepared by God Himself.
Living as foreigners means more than just waiting for heaven—it shapes how we live now. We’re called to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2), resist worldly desires, and live with purpose and holiness. As God’s ambassadors, we’re tasked with representing His kingdom through love, service, and the message of the gospel. This outlook doesn’t disconnect us from the world but instead gives deeper meaning to our everyday lives.
Keep reading for a deeper dive into what the Bible says about being a foreigner—and how that truth can transform the way you live today.
Have you ever felt like you just don’t quite belong here? Like there’s something more, something beyond this world that calls to you? You’re not alone. The Bible talks about this feeling, describing believers as foreigners and strangers in this world. Let’s dive into what the Bible says about our true home and how we should live as temporary residents here on Earth.
Biblical References to Being Foreigners
Hebrews 11:13-16
One of the most direct references comes from Hebrews 11:13-16. This passage speaks of the heroes of faith who “admitted that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” They were looking forward to a better country—a heavenly one. Here’s the key part: “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
This passage reminds us that our ultimate home isn’t here. We’re on a journey toward something much greater, something eternal.
1 Peter 2:11
Peter also addresses believers as foreigners. In 1 Peter 2:11, he says, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” This isn’t just about acknowledging our status as outsiders in this world, but also about how we should live because of it. Peter is urging us to live in a way that reflects our true citizenship in heaven.
Philippians 3:20
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, writes, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). This reinforces the idea that our real home isn’t here on Earth. Our citizenship, our true identity, is with Christ in heaven.
Living as Foreigners
Keeping an Eternal Perspective
So, what does it mean to live as a foreigner in this world? First, it’s about keeping an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:2 advises us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This means prioritizing eternal values over temporary pleasures.
Living with Purpose
Living as a foreigner also means living with purpose. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We’re here for a reason—to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
Avoiding Worldly Desires
As Peter mentioned in 1 Peter 2:11, being foreigners means we should avoid sinful desires that are part of this world. James 4:4 puts it bluntly: “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” Our lives should reflect our heavenly citizenship, not the world’s standards.
How to Navigate Life as Foreigners
Build a Relationship with God
To navigate life as a foreigner, build a strong relationship with God. Spend time in prayer and read the Bible regularly. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Staying connected to God helps us live according to His will.
Fellowship with Other Believers
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” Fellowship with other believers provides support and accountability, helping us stay focused on our heavenly calling.
Serve Others
Jesus set an example of serving others. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others reflects our heavenly values and brings glory to God.
Share the Gospel
As foreigners, we’re also ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 states, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” Sharing the gospel is part of our mission on Earth, helping others discover their true home in heaven.
Conclusion
Feeling like you don’t quite belong in this world is a sign that you’re aware of a deeper truth: you’re a foreigner here, with a true home in heaven. The Bible is clear on this, urging us to live with an eternal perspective, avoid worldly desires, and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. By building a strong relationship with God, fellowshipping with other believers, serving others, and sharing the gospel, we can navigate life as foreigners, keeping our eyes on the ultimate prize—a heavenly home prepared for us by God Himself.
FAQs: Where in the Bible Does It Say We Are Foreigners in This World?
Q1: What does it mean to be a foreigner in this world according to the Bible?
A: Being a foreigner in this world means recognizing that our ultimate home is in heaven. The Bible teaches that believers are temporary residents on Earth, and our true citizenship is with God in heaven.
Q2: Which Bible verses mention that we are foreigners or strangers on Earth?
A: Key Bible verses include Hebrews 11:13-16, 1 Peter 2:11, and Philippians 3:20. These verses highlight that believers are foreigners and exiles, looking forward to a heavenly home.
Q3: How should believers live as foreigners in this world?
A: Believers should keep an eternal perspective, live with purpose, avoid worldly desires, build a relationship with God, fellowship with other believers, serve others, and share the gospel. These actions reflect our heavenly citizenship.
Q4: Why is it important to keep an eternal perspective?
A: Keeping an eternal perspective helps believers prioritize eternal values over temporary pleasures. It aligns our focus with God’s purposes and prepares us for our ultimate home in heaven, as advised in Colossians 3:2.
Q5: What does 1 Peter 2:11 say about being foreigners?
A: 1 Peter 2:11 urges believers to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against the soul. It emphasizes living a holy life, reflecting our status as foreigners and exiles in this world.
Q6: How does Philippians 3:20 describe our citizenship?
A: Philippians 3:20 states, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This reinforces that our true identity and home are with Christ in heaven.
Q7: What role does serving others play in living as foreigners?
A: Serving others is a key aspect of living as foreigners. Jesus set an example of service, and by serving others, we reflect our heavenly values and bring glory to God, as seen in Mark 10:45.
Q8: How can fellowship with other believers help us live as foreigners?
A: Fellowship with other believers provides support, encouragement, and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.
Q9: Why is it important to share the gospel as foreigners in this world?
A: Sharing the gospel is part of our mission as Christ’s ambassadors. 2 Corinthians 5:20 highlights that God makes His appeal through us, and by sharing the gospel, we help others discover their true home in heaven.
Q10: How can I build a strong relationship with God to live as a foreigner in this world?
A: Building a strong relationship with God involves regular prayer, reading the Bible, and staying connected to Him. John 15:5 emphasizes the importance of remaining in Christ to bear fruit and live according to His will.
