New Citizenship

“Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14 LSB

There are two kingdoms in this world: one that we are born into, and one that we are brought into. The kingdom we are born into is under the influence and oppression of Satan and the powers of darkness. This kingdom strives to keep us in bondage to our indwelling sin, and we are powerless to rescue ourselves. This kingdom has already been brought under the judgment of God, and every citizen of this kingdom who remains a citizen will suffer eternally.

But there is another Kingdom, one that is everlasting and has come to bring destruction to the kingdom of darkness. This Kingdom is filled with citizens who have been personally rescued by the One who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. For it was in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, that all things were created: “both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him” (v.16). This is important to understand because it reminds us that Jesus reigns as Supreme above everything that was created, including the powers of darkness. In Him – and Him alone – we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Jesus came to undo the works of Satan (1 John 3:8), bringing undeserving sinners as ourselves out of the kingdom of darkness, and into His own, for those who believe and trust in Him.

If you are still under the power and authority of the kingdom of darkness, I urge you to renounce your citizenship by turning to Jesus Christ and away from sin. He offers citizenship to all who call upon His name and acknowledge Him as King. If you have been rescued into the Kingdom of the Son, I exhort you to remember what Jesus has done for you and reaffirm your commitment and loyalty to Christ as King.