“I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there.” — Psalm 87:4
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20
Psalm 87 reveals a remarkable truth — God speaks of people from Rahab (Egypt), Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia as being “born” in Zion. Though they were strangers and foreigners by natural birth, God counts them as citizens of His holy city. This points to a spiritual reality: God gives a new birth that overrides earthly identity.
Paul echoes this truth in Philippians 3:20 — our “conversation” (citizenship) is in heaven. Though we live on earth, our true home, allegiance, and identity are in heaven through Jesus Christ. God gives a new citizenship through a new birth.
Illustration #1 — Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1–4)
Ruth was a Moabitess — an outsider, far from the covenants of Israel. Yet when she said, “thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16), she was received. God not only brought her into Israel, but placed her in the lineage of Christ. Though born a foreigner, she was counted as one of God’s people — just like Psalm 87 declares: “this man was born there.”
Illustration #2 — The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25–34)
The jailer in Philippi was a Roman citizen, yet spiritually lost. When he cried, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” That night, he was born again — not into Rome, but into the family of God. His earthly citizenship remained, but his eternal citizenship changed forever. Now he belonged to heaven.
Many people identify themselves by country, culture, or background — but the greatest identity is where you are born spiritually.
Not where you came from… but where you are going.
Not your earthly passport… but your heavenly citizenship.
Not your first birth… but your second birth.
If you are saved, heaven is your home. Live like a citizen of that country.