Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian tradition, the concept of believers as "pilgrims and strangers" is deeply rooted in the understanding that Christians are temporary residents on earth, journeying toward their eternal home in heaven. This perspective is drawn from various biblical passages that emphasize the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal promises of God. As pilgrims and strangers, saints are called to live in a manner that reflects their heavenly citizenship, rejoicing in the statutes of God as their guide and source of joy.The notion of being a pilgrim and stranger is vividly illustrated in the lives of the patriarchs. Hebrews 11:13 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." This acknowledgment of their status as strangers underscores their faith in God's promises and their commitment to His statutes. The psalmist expresses a similar sentiment in Psalm 119, a chapter dedicated to the love and reverence for God's law. Psalm 119:19 declares, "I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me." Here, the psalmist recognizes his status as a sojourner and seeks the guidance of God's commandments to navigate his earthly journey. The statutes of God are not burdensome but a source of delight and direction. Furthermore, Psalm 119:54 states, "Your statutes are songs to me in the house of my pilgrimage." This verse highlights the joy and comfort that God's laws provide to the believer. In the midst of life's uncertainties and challenges, the statutes of God serve as a melody that uplifts the spirit and reinforces the pilgrim's resolve to live according to divine principles. The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Peter addressing believers as "foreigners and exiles" 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." Peter's exhortation is a reminder that as pilgrims, Christians are to live distinctively, guided by the statutes of God, which bring joy and fulfillment. The rejoicing in God's statutes is not merely an emotional response but a profound acknowledgment of their value and truth. Psalm 119:111 affirms, "Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart." The statutes of God are cherished as an eternal inheritance, providing wisdom and joy that surpass earthly treasures. In summary, the identity of Christians as pilgrims and strangers is intricately linked to their relationship with God's statutes. These divine laws are not only a guide for righteous living but also a source of profound joy and satisfaction. As saints journey through life, they find solace and delight in the eternal truths of God's Word, which sustain them until they reach their heavenly home. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 119:54Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Pilgrim's Longings Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Controversy Ended. The Controversy Ended A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Paul's Departure and Crown; The Christian Described The Letter of the Church of Rome The Acceptable Sacrifice; 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 |
    |