Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is deeply rooted in the understanding of the Christian life as a journey toward a heavenly homeland. This notion is vividly illustrated through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who serves as the ultimate example for believers navigating their earthly sojourn.Biblical Foundation The idea of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is grounded in several key biblical passages. The Apostle Peter addresses believers as "foreigners and exiles" in 1 Peter 2:11 , urging them to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against their souls. This imagery reflects the transient nature of earthly life and the call to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship. The Example of Christ Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, exemplified the life of a pilgrim and stranger. He often spoke of His mission as being sent from the Father and not belonging to this world. In John 17:16 , Jesus prays for His disciples, saying, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." This statement underscores the distinction between the values of the kingdom of God and those of the earthly realm. Christ's life was marked by a sense of purpose and direction, always oriented toward fulfilling the will of the Father. In Matthew 8:20 , Jesus declares, "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." This highlights His detachment from worldly comforts and His focus on His divine mission. Living as Pilgrims and Strangers Believers are called to emulate Christ's example by living as pilgrims and strangers in the world. This involves a conscious effort to prioritize spiritual values over temporal ones, recognizing that their true home is in heaven. Hebrews 13:14 reminds Christians, "For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." The life of a pilgrim is characterized by faith, perseverance, and a forward-looking hope. Hebrews 11:13 speaks of the heroes of faith who "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Like these faithful ones, Christians are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's promises and seeking His kingdom above all else. Practical Implications Living as pilgrims and strangers has practical implications for the daily lives of believers. It calls for a lifestyle that reflects the values of the kingdom of God, including love, humility, and service. It also involves a willingness to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of Christ, as Jesus Himself endured suffering and rejection. Furthermore, this pilgrim mindset encourages believers to engage with the world in a way that is transformative, serving as ambassadors for Christ and sharing the message of the gospel. In doing so, they follow the example of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). In summary, the concept of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is deeply intertwined with the example set by Jesus Christ. His life and teachings provide a model for believers to follow as they navigate their earthly journey, always with their eyes fixed on their heavenly destination. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 9:58And Jesus said to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has not where to lay his head. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Pilgrim's Longings Sunday after Ascension Day Of the Last Resurrection. Sojourners of the Dispersion Hebrews xi. 13-16 The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New. Abram the Hebrew The Controversy Ended. Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ... The Controversy Ended Resources Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org What is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | 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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