In the Christian tradition, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is deeply rooted in the understanding that Christians are on a spiritual journey through a world that is not their ultimate home. This notion is derived from various biblical passages that emphasize the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal promise of a heavenly homeland. As pilgrims and strangers, saints are called not only to navigate this journey with faith and perseverance but also to invite others to join them in their pursuit of the eternal kingdom.

The idea of inviting others to join in this spiritual pilgrimage is exemplified in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who called His disciples to follow Him and become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This call to discipleship is an invitation to embark on a journey of faith, leaving behind the old life and embracing the new life in Christ. The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letters, urging believers to live as citizens of heaven and to encourage others to do the same. In Philippians 3:20, Paul writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Old Testament also provides examples of this invitation to journey together in faith. Abraham, the father of faith, is described as a sojourner in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, "heirs with him of the same promise" (Hebrews 11:9). Abraham's journey was not solitary; he invited his family and household to join him in seeking the land promised by God. This communal aspect of the pilgrimage underscores the importance of inviting others to share in the blessings and challenges of the journey.

In the New Testament, the early church exemplifies the practice of inviting others to join the spiritual journey. The book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles and early Christians spread the gospel message, inviting Jews and Gentiles alike to become part of the body of Christ. Acts 2:41-42 describes how those who accepted the message were baptized and added to the fellowship, devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the breaking of bread and prayer.

The invitation to join the pilgrimage is not limited to verbal proclamation but is also demonstrated through the lives of believers. In 1 Peter 2:11-12, Peter exhorts Christians to live as "foreigners and exiles," abstaining from sinful desires and living such good lives among the pagans that they may see their good deeds and glorify God. This lifestyle serves as a powerful invitation to others, drawing them to inquire about the hope that believers possess.

Moreover, the invitation to journey together is an expression of love and hospitality, reflecting the heart of God who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). As pilgrims and strangers, saints are called to extend this invitation with grace and humility, recognizing that they too were once strangers to the covenants of promise but have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13).

In summary, the role of saints as pilgrims and strangers involves a dual responsibility: to faithfully pursue their heavenly calling and to invite others to join them on this sacred journey. Through word and deed, believers are to extend the invitation to experience the transformative power of the gospel and to journey together toward the eternal city, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).Numbers 10:29
And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come you with us, and we will do you good: for the LORD has spoken good concerning Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matt. xxii. 1-14.
... about the devil's crafts, about the good deeds which the saints have achieved ... brutes,
those men are equal to the angels, being strangers and pilgrims as to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxix matt xxii 1-14.htm

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
... and beseech you all as strangers and pilgrims, to abstain ... be chosen, but such as
are real and true Saints. ... no hope; No, for I have loved strangers, and after ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon our call and.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... pilgrimage, as Moses also relates (Gen.47:9). If they were pilgrims and strangers
in the ... he rose again, he deigned to make many of the saints partakers of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... the servants of the house, who were strangers to the ... love wherewith he comforts them,
whilst pilgrims here on ... are, but because he intends to make you saints. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... They have washed as others did do before them. ... every one of them harps, and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they sung a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... children, fancies; the travel and labour of pilgrims, things to ... hang so near the
highway, that others may see ... brass, and left here, even where they did their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... graces, enjoying the communion of Saints, and advancing ... Giant Despair, and directing
the pilgrims to the ... without doubt greatly blessed, because they were the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.org

What is a community church? | GotQuestions.org

What was Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

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