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 through a foreign land, with heaven as the ultimate destination. This metaphor emphasizes the transient nature of earthly life and the call to live in a manner that reflects one's heavenly citizenship.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is prominently featured in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter addresses believers in this manner, urging them to live with a sense of reverent fear during their earthly sojourn. In 1 Peter 1:17, he writes, "Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners." This passage highlights the dual aspects of the believer's identity: as children of God and as temporary residents in this world.

Living as Pilgrims and Strangers

1. Reverent Fear: The call to "pass their sojourning in fear" is not an exhortation to live in terror but rather to maintain a deep respect and awe for God. This reverent fear is rooted in the recognition of God's holiness and justice. It serves as a guiding principle for ethical and moral conduct, reminding believers of their accountability before God.

2. Holiness and Separation: As pilgrims and strangers, Christians are called to live lives that are distinct from the surrounding culture. In 1 Peter 2:11, Peter exhorts, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." This call to holiness involves a conscious effort to resist worldly temptations and to pursue righteousness.

3. Hope and Expectation: The identity of believers as pilgrims is also characterized by a forward-looking hope. Hebrews 11:13-16 speaks of the patriarchs who "acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." They were seeking a better country, a heavenly one. This hope sustains believers, encouraging them to endure trials and to remain faithful.

4. Witness and Testimony: The life of a pilgrim is also a life of testimony. As strangers in the world, Christians are called to be witnesses of God's grace and truth. Their distinct way of living serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. In 1 Peter 2:12, believers are encouraged to "conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

Theological Implications

The metaphor of pilgrims and strangers underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal perspective that should characterize the Christian worldview. It challenges believers to prioritize spiritual values over temporal concerns and to live with an awareness of their ultimate accountability to God. This perspective fosters a sense of humility, dependence on divine grace, and a commitment to live in a manner that honors God.

In summary, the identity of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is a profound reminder of their temporary status in this world and their eternal citizenship in heaven. It calls for a life marked by reverent fear, holiness, hope, and a faithful witness to the world.1 Peter 1:17
And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with
the saints, and of ... they shall be to me a people; and they shall not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... to come, and carnal sense, are such strangers one to ... not think, if we came within
reach, but they would presently ... for the relief of the spirits of pilgrims![65 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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