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 anticipation of a heavenly homeland. This theme is deeply rooted in the understanding that the saints, while living in the world, are not of it, and their ultimate citizenship lies in the heavenly realm.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of being pilgrims and strangers is vividly illustrated in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are depicted as sojourners who lived in tents, symbolizing their temporary existence on earth. Hebrews 11:13-16 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. 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 faith of the patriarchs, who, despite not receiving the promises in their lifetime, lived with the assurance of a future fulfillment. Their acknowledgment of being "strangers and exiles" reflects their understanding of life as a pilgrimage toward a divine promise.

The Heavenly Country

The "heavenly country" is a central aspect of the Christian hope. It represents the eternal dwelling place prepared by God for His people. This concept is further reinforced by the words of Jesus in John 14:2-3 , "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am."

The anticipation of this heavenly abode motivates believers to live as pilgrims, focusing not on earthly possessions or status but on the eternal inheritance promised by God. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:20 , "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Living as Pilgrims and Strangers

The identity of Christians as pilgrims and strangers calls for a distinct way of life. It involves a detachment from worldly values and an alignment with the values of the Kingdom of God. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers in 1 Peter 2:11 , "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul."

This exhortation emphasizes the moral and spiritual conduct expected of those who view themselves as temporary residents on earth. The life of a pilgrim is marked by faith, hope, and a forward-looking perspective that prioritizes the eternal over the temporal.

Historical and Theological Context

Throughout church history, the notion of Christians as pilgrims has been a source of comfort and challenge. The early church, often facing persecution and marginalization, found solace in the promise of a heavenly homeland. This perspective has continued to inspire believers to endure trials and to live with a sense of purpose and direction.

Theologically, the concept of pilgrimage underscores the eschatological tension between the "already" and the "not yet" of the Kingdom of God. While believers experience the presence of God's Kingdom in their lives, they also await its full realization in the age to come.

In summary, the identity of saints as pilgrims and strangers is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the glorious hope of a heavenly country. This perspective shapes the Christian life, encouraging believers to live with faith, hope, and a longing for the eternal city prepared by God.Hebrews 11:16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: why God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he has prepared for them a city.
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 Pilgrim's Longings
... There is enough in the world for sinners, but not for saints. ... But the speciality
of the strangers and pilgrims is that they all died in faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the pilgrims longings.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... on the earth." They are "pilgrims," because they ... way to another country; they are
"strangers," because they ... and also to believe, with the saints of Christianity ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

Hebrews xi. 13-16
... seen them afar off, [3251] and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers
and pilgrims on the ... [4.] The saints were "strangers and sojourners ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiv hebrews xi 13-16.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.". ... God; behold, therefore I will bring
strangers upon thee ... living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

The People of the New Earth
... of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
(Genesis 23:4 ... and "the City" for which the Old Testament saints belonging to ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.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 ... And why talk of saints and the children of God, when even one, who ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

The Controversy Ended
... and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints.". ... God; behold, therefore I will bring
strangers upon thee ... living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 42 the controversy ended.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... Look again, I say, now thou art upon thy knees, and ... to the Lamb for his blood, by
which they are secured ... of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.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

Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.org

What 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