What does "we are looking for the city to come" signify for believers? Key Verse to Keep in View “For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) What “the city to come” Tells Us Right Away • We’re temporary residents here. • There is a real, literal city already prepared. • Our eyes, choices, and hopes should lean toward that future home. Tracing the Theme Through Scripture • Hebrews 11:10 – “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” • Hebrews 11:16 – “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” • Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” • John 14:2-3 – “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” • Revelation 21:2-4 – John sees “the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” • 2 Peter 3:13 – “But in keeping with His promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” Why This Matters for Daily Living 1. Perspective on Possessions – Knowing nothing here is permanent frees us from clinging too tightly to stuff. – Generosity becomes natural when we see earthly goods as temporary tools. 2. Courage in Suffering – Trials lose their sting when we remember they’re only for “a little while” (1 Peter 1:6). – We endure, just as Jesus did, “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). 3. Motivation for Holiness – The coming city is pure and righteous; pursuing purity now prepares us for life there (2 Peter 3:11-12). – Our conduct advertises where our true citizenship lies. 4. Fuel for Mission – Others need an invitation to this city; evangelism is essentially offering residency papers. – Every act of love points people to the Architect and Builder. 5. Comfort in Loss – When believers die, they go “home” (2 Corinthians 5:8). – Reunion is guaranteed in the city where “death will be no more” (Revelation 21:4). Practical Ways to Keep Looking Ahead • Start the day with Revelation 21:1-4; end with Philippians 3:20-21. • Tithe or give sacrificially as a reminder that lasting treasure is elsewhere (Matthew 6:19-21). • Spend time with fellow believers—citizens of the same future city—encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Cultivate pilgrim habits: travel light, hold plans loosely, and expect change. • Celebrate communion often; it proclaims the Lord’s death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Final Takeaway The phrase “we are looking for the city to come” anchors us in a concrete future that God Himself designed. It reorients our values, steadies our hearts, and propels us toward a life that visibly declares, “Here we have no lasting city—but the best is on the way.” |
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