A Vision of the Future

Philippians 3:20-21

• Philippians 3:20-21 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

• Philippians 3:17 - Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

• Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I PRESS ON so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

• Philippians 3:13-14 - Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 [Paul] I PRESS ON toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

– Don’t look back (Luke 9:61-62)

– Holiness (Eph 1:3-4; 1 Pet 1:13-17; 2:21-22; 4:1)

our current position

• Philippians 3:20 - For our citizenship is in heaven, …

– Beware of pretenders (Phil 3:18-19; Luke 6:20-26)

– The Kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3, 5; Luke 10:20; Eph 2:6; 1 Pet 1:4; Matt 5:12; 6:20)

our future hope

• Philippians 3:20-21 - …from which [Heaven] also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has ….

– Release from pain/sin (2 Cor 5:1-5; Rom 7:21-25)

– Guaranteed (1 Cor 15:42-49)

• Our current position: citizens of Heaven

• Our future hope: a glorified body

• Our current purpose: the upward call of God in Christ Jesus: holiness

• 2 Peter 3:11-13 - Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct & godliness, [current position] 12 looking for & hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, & the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens & a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. [future hope]

• 1 John 3:2-3 - Beloved, now we are children of God [current position], & it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. [future hope] 3 And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Belief in the gospel of Christ– Rom 10:9-10

Repentance of sin– Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30

Confession faith in Christ– Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:37

Baptism for remission of sins– Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mk 16:16