In the biblical narrative, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is a profound metaphor that underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal promise that awaits the faithful. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the call for believers to live with a heavenly perspective, keeping the promises of God in view as they journey through life.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of being pilgrims and strangers is rooted in the experiences of the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, who is described as a sojourner in the land of promise. Hebrews 11:13-16 reflects on the faith of the patriarchs, stating, "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. Those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them."

This passage highlights the forward-looking faith of the saints, who, despite not receiving the promises in their lifetime, lived with the assurance of their fulfillment. Their acknowledgment of being strangers and exiles on earth signifies a detachment from worldly ties and a focus on the eternal inheritance promised by God.

Living as Pilgrims and Strangers

The New Testament further develops this theme, urging believers to adopt a pilgrim mindset. In 1 Peter 2:11 , the apostle Peter exhorts, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Here, Peter calls Christians to live in a manner that reflects their status as temporary residents on earth, emphasizing moral conduct and spiritual vigilance.

The apostle Paul also speaks to this perspective in Philippians 3:20 , where he writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse reinforces the idea that believers' true home is not of this world, but in the heavenly realm, where Christ reigns.

Keeping the Promised in View

The life of a pilgrim is marked by a constant focus on the promises of God. This forward-looking faith is not merely an abstract hope but a concrete expectation rooted in the character and faithfulness of God. The promises of God serve as an anchor for the soul, providing strength and encouragement amidst the trials and tribulations of earthly life.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 , Paul captures this perspective: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This passage encourages believers to maintain their focus on the eternal promises, recognizing that present sufferings are temporary and incomparable to the glory that awaits.

Conclusion

The identity of believers as pilgrims and strangers is a call to live with an eternal perspective, continually keeping the promises of God in view. This mindset shapes their values, priorities, and actions, as they navigate the challenges of life with the assurance of a heavenly inheritance. Through faith, they embrace their status as temporary residents on earth, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises in the life to come.Hebrews 11:13
These 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

Heavenly Rest
... into the homes of the immortal, they are strangers to the ... Progress," says, that when
the weary pilgrims were once ... of rest in fellowship with the saints; but ah ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/heavenly rest.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... black and dull; and the throne from whence it comes will keep it from ... and golden
vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they sung a new ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

V. ...
... he says, Dear brethren, I admonish you as strangers and as ... are citizens in heaven;
on earth we are pilgrims and guests ... So we read of many saints, that they were ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

Sanctification.
... of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the ... Now, if death is the termination of sin in the saints, and if they ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvii sanctification.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... Are you heavenly-minded, and like him, do you confess yourselves
strangers and pilgrims on the earth? ... Learn, O saints! ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
... a pilgrimage, as Moses also relates (Gen.47:9). If they were pilgrims and strangers
in the ... in Samuel: "The Lord will keep the feet of his saints, and the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... to have passed from "death unto life," being no longer strangers and pilgrims, but
fellow ... But Paul, who knew that as God enriches the saints with spiritual ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

Against the Arians, and Concerning Himself.
... have I cut off"to bring a lying accusation against Saints, [3764] and ... or in misfortune;
and in this we are all alike strangers and pilgrims, however much ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiii against the arians.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

A Catholic Household
... could not bear to be noticed or to meet strangers, and was ... to look at him to know
how the Saints pray ... of Soeur Therese, is much frequented by pilgrims to Lisieux ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter ii a catholic household.htm

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