Track 6 on That I May Know Him
The Heavenly CitizenJonathan Edwards
Built on Philippians 3:20–21, Philippians 3:3–9, and Philippians 3:12–14
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The study behind the song
Built on Philippians 3:20–21, Philippians 3:3–9, Philippians 3:12–14, and Philippians 3:17.
On the album That I May Know Him, Doulos of Jesus gathers the thoughts of spiritual greats on Philippians 3, and here he reads the chapter alongside Jonathan Edwards. Paul, writing to the believers at Philippi, has just set aside every reason he once had for confidence in the flesh, counting it all loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Then he lifts their eyes: "Our citizenship is in heaven," and from there we eagerly wait for a Savior who will transform our humble bodies into the likeness of His glorious body.
The song quotes verses 20 and 21 and frames them through the theme it hears in Edwards, the supreme excellence of Christ seen through sovereign grace. Its refrains press the point of the chapter's first half: boast in nothing of your own, throw your ledger in the dust, no confidence in the flesh. Later lines echo Paul's call to follow godly examples and run for the prize, loosening our grip on earth because the soul's true home is glory. It closes simply: our citizenship is above; behold His majesty.
02Sing along
Lyrics
Edwards looks at the cosmos, through the lens of sovereign grace
He sees the ultimate excellence of the Savior’s radiant face
He flips to Philippians 3, looking past the earthly night
Reminding us our residency isn't hidden from our sight
HCSB verse 20, "Our citizenship is in heaven"
"From which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ"
Boast in nothing of your own! Throw your ledger in the dust!
The soul’s true home is glory, in the Holy One we trust!
Look upon His supreme excellence, let your heart be utterly enthralled!
By the One who conquered death, by the One who has us called!
HCSB verse 21, "He will transform the body of our humble condition"
"Into the likeness of His glorious body, by His powerful mission"
Edwards calls us to walk as examples, eyes fixed on the skies
Loosening our grip on earth, running for the final prize
No confidence in the flesh! All glory to the Son!
The heavenly destination shows the work is fully done!
Our citizenship is above.
Behold His majesty.
Forever and ever
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