The Price of Citizenship!

Acts 22:27-29

The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” “Yes, I am,” he answered. Then the commander said, “I had to pay a big price for my citizenship.” “But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied. Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

Believers in Christ know the price Jesus paid for us to have citizenship in heaven, enjoying the benefits of HIS Resurrection, Hope and Salvation.

Although Paul declared that he was a Roman citizen, he knew he had citizenship in a kingdom that far exceeded the benefits of being a Roman citizen.

The Roman commander, realizing that Paul had been born a Roman citizen, declared that he himself had paid a great price for the same freedoms.

As Christ Jesus declared unto HIS disciples that following HIM was a costly decision, HE reminded them that the benefits far outweighed the price HE would have to pay!

Christ paid the price for us, we must realize that HE was willing to die so that we could be released from the chains and bondage of sin, freeing us from the captivity we were born into because of a sinful nature.

As Beleivers in Christ, we also must die to the sinful nature, knowing that our rebirth in Christ by Holy Spirit grants us citizenship in God's kingdom!

Dwell in me, Holy Spirit of God!

Temper me with the purifying fire of the Holy One,

That I may be Holy and Righteous in YOUR sight!!

Burn in me, Holy Spirit of God!

Redeemed by the blood of Jesus,

Granting to me, citizenship in the Kingdom of God!!!