Heavenly citizenship for those doing the Father's will_2

 If we have the citizenship of heaven, we ought to hear what God says. Now, let's see if we obey God's word as heavenly citizens, considering what are the requirements for the heavenly citizenship.

 Ex 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."

 First, citizens of heaven ought to keep the Sabbath day. Those who do not keep the Sabbath cannot acquire the citizenship of heaven. When they stand before Jesus at the last day, they will beg Him to let them into heaven, saying, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name pray and drive out demons, and help the poor?" However, Jesus will turn His face away from them, saying, "I never knew you."
 "Show Me your citizenship of heaven. Do you know the reason why I have not granted you heavenly citizenship? Have you ever kept the Sabbath holy?" If God asks them such stern questions, what will they answer?
 God said, "My sheep listen to my voice" (Jn 10:27). How can they acquire the heavenly citizenship without obeying even a single command of God-"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy"? So Jesus told them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!"

 Second, heavenly citizens ought to celebrate the Passover.

 Lk 22:14-20 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."

 The Bible teaches us that we can receive the forgiveness of our sins only by celebrating the Passover. So God has established the Passover, saying, "This [Passover] is for you." It is a qualification for the citizenship of heaven to celebrate the Passover.
 If a man commits a crime, he will forfeit his rights of citizenship at once and be punished according to his country's Criminal Procedure Code. So did we. We committed an unpardonable sin in heaven, and were cast down to the earth. We lost our heavenly citizenship and forfeited all of our rights as citizens in heaven.
 Christ, however, came into this earth to forgive all our sins by shedding His blood and tearing His flesh. For the mortal sinners, He opened the way to the forgiveness of sins through the Passover of the new covenant. That's why we have come to reinstate our heavenly citizenship.
 So the Bible says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Th 5:16-18). When our faith becomes weak, we can neither rejoice, nor give thanks, nor understand why God has given those words to us. Think of our heavenly citizenship! Christ died for us, so that we might have the forgiveness of sins and the citizenship of heaven. How joyful and how grateful! No matter how difficult our lives may be, we must endure in order to avoid going to hell, a place of eternal punishment. God has granted us, sinners, the citizenship of heaven. Whatever difficulties we face, we are supposed to be joyful and thankful.
 Here is one more necessary condition for the heavenly citizenship-knowing God's name and celebrating God's feasts such as the Sabbath and the Passover. To obtain American citizenship, people have to know its president's name. How much more should we know the name of God to acquire the heavenly citizenship! Can we obtain it without knowing God's name? God said, "My people will know my name" (Isa 52:6).
 The citizenship of heaven can be acquired when we always live in Zion, know God and obey everything He has commanded us. We have the heavenly citizenship granted by God. Let us take pride in our citizenship in heaven. God has given us the Passover and let us know what the Savior's name is; and He clearly said to us, "You are My people."

 What we are to do now is to help all the peoples of the world ac-quire the citizenship of heaven. They do not know the way to obtain it.
 When I first went to America for the gospel work, I was at a loss as to how to act. Some put themselves out trying to help me, and I felt so thankful to them for their help. People naturally express their thanks to him who teaches them what they do not know, even though it is a little thing. How much more will they give thanks to him who helps them know the way to acquire the eternal citizenship of heaven! In heaven they will ever be deeply grateful to him for his help.
 When we go back to the glorious kingdom of heaven, we will enjoy the powerful privileges of heavenly citizenship. Many people, who have not obeyed God's commands, will entreat God to let them in before the heaven's gate. However, Christ will sternly say to them, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!" What about us all in Zion? We shall all enter heaven's gate safely. For heaven is our home and our country.
 Giving thanks to God who has given us such a great blessing, let us help numerous people who are longing for the heavenly citizenship. From the east to the west, let's preach the gospel diligently. I hope all our brothers and sisters in Zion will bear much fruit through God's grace and love.