Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is a profound theme that underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal perspective of faith. This theme is particularly evident in the lives of the saints who, despite not receiving the full promises of God during their earthly sojourn, died in faith, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises beyond their temporal existence.The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a poignant reflection on this theme. Hebrews 11:13 states, "All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." This passage highlights the faith of the patriarchs and matriarchs who lived as sojourners, recognizing that their true home was not of this world but in the heavenly realm. Abraham, the father of faith, exemplifies this pilgrim mindset. Called by God to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land, Abraham lived in tents, a symbol of his transient existence. Hebrews 11:9-10 notes, "By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Abraham's faith was anchored in the promise of a heavenly city, a future reality that shaped his earthly journey. The apostle Peter also addresses believers as "strangers" and "pilgrims" in his epistle, urging them to live in holiness and reverence during their time on earth. In 1 Peter 2:11 , he writes, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This exhortation reflects the understanding that believers, though living in the world, are not of it, and their conduct should reflect their heavenly citizenship. The life of Moses further illustrates the faith of a pilgrim. Raised in the opulence of Pharaoh's palace, Moses chose to identify with the people of God, forsaking the fleeting pleasures of sin for the sake of Christ. Hebrews 11:24-26 recounts, "By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward." Moses' decision to align himself with God's purposes, despite the cost, underscores the eternal perspective that characterizes the life of a pilgrim. The New Testament continues this theme, with the apostle Paul expressing his own pilgrim journey. In Philippians 3:20-21 , he declares, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body." Paul's anticipation of the heavenly transformation reflects the hope that sustains believers as they navigate the challenges of earthly life. The saints who die in faith embody the essence of being pilgrims and strangers. Their lives testify to a steadfast trust in God's promises, a vision of a heavenly inheritance, and a commitment to live in accordance with their divine calling. As they journey through life, they do so with the assurance that their true home awaits them, a place prepared by God Himself. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 11:13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. The Pilgrim's Longings The Faith of Abraham. Sojourners of the Dispersion Divine Grace. Heavenly Rest The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Worldly Business no Plea for the Neglect of Religion The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Resources Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a community church? | GotQuestions.org What was Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Pilgrims and Strangers: Abraham Pilgrims and Strangers: All Saints Are Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Actuated by Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Exposed to Persecution Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not at Home in This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are not Mindful of This World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They are Strengthened by God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Die in Faith Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Forsake all for Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Hate Worldly Fellowship Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have a Heavenly Conversation Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have the Example of Christ Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Have Their Faces Toward Zion Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Invite Others to Go With Them Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Keep the Promised in View Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Long for Their Pilgrimage to End Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly City Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Look for a Heavenly Country Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pass Their Sojourning in Fear Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Pray for Direction Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Rejoice in the Statutes of God Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: Shine As Lights in the World Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Abstain from Fleshly Lusts Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should Have Their Treasure in Heaven Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: should not be Over Anxious About Worldly Things Pilgrims and Strangers: As Saints They: The World is not Worthy of Pilgrims and Strangers: Described Pilgrims and Strangers: God is not Ashamed to be Called Their God Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints are Called to Be Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints Confess Themselves Pilgrims and Strangers: Saints of Old Pilgrims and Strangers: The Apostles Pilgrims and Strangers: Typified: Israel Related Terms |
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