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 perspective that guides the faithful. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that the saints are not permanent residents of this world but are journeying toward a heavenly homeland. Their lives are characterized by faith, which acts as the driving force behind their pilgrimage.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of being pilgrims and strangers is rooted in the experiences of the patriarchs, particularly Abraham. In Hebrews 11:8-10 , we read, "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

This passage highlights the faith-driven journey of Abraham, who lived as a stranger in the land promised to him, demonstrating a forward-looking faith that anticipated God's ultimate fulfillment of His promises. Abraham's life exemplifies the pilgrim mindset, living in temporary dwellings while seeking a permanent, divine city.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to adopt a similar perspective. In 1 Peter 2:11 , the apostle Peter writes, "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul." Here, Peter addresses Christians as "foreigners and exiles," reinforcing the notion that their true citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. This identity calls for a lifestyle that reflects their heavenly allegiance, marked by holiness and separation from worldly desires.

The apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Philippians 3:20 , stating, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This declaration serves as a reminder that believers' ultimate allegiance and hope lie beyond this world, motivating them to live in anticipation of Christ's return.

Faith as the Driving Force

Faith is the essential element that actuates the lives of pilgrims and strangers. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides a litany of examples of individuals who lived by faith, viewing themselves as temporary residents 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 underscores that the saints' faith was not merely a belief in God's promises but a transformative force that shaped their entire existence. Their acknowledgment of being strangers and exiles was a testament to their unwavering trust in God's future provision and their desire for a heavenly homeland.

Practical Implications

The identity of believers as pilgrims and strangers has practical implications for their daily lives. It calls them to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual values over temporal concerns. This mindset encourages a detachment from worldly possessions and ambitions, fostering a life of simplicity, contentment, and generosity.

Moreover, as pilgrims, believers are called to be witnesses to the world, reflecting the values of their heavenly kingdom. Their conduct, speech, and relationships should testify to their faith and hope in Christ, drawing others to the same eternal journey.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of saints as pilgrims and strangers is a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal destiny that awaits the faithful. Actuated by faith, believers are called to live as citizens of heaven, journeying toward the fulfillment of God's promises with unwavering hope and trust.Hebrews 11:9
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Pilgrim Fathers.
... They were strangers in a strange land, among a ... by motives widely different from those
of the first Pilgrims. ... which was once delivered to the saints." Thus were ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /16 the pilgrim fathers.htm

The Pilgrim Fathers
... They were strangers in a strange land, among a ... motives widely different from those
of the first Pilgrims. ... which was once delivered unto the saints." Thus were ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 16 the pilgrim fathers.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 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

Sunday after Ascension Day
... and the wretched to be remembered, they who are strangers or pilgrims among us ... contrary
thereto; for instance, the invocation of dead saints, and similar ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday after ascension day.htm

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