Strangers and pilgrims!

(Thomas Brooks, "London's Lamentations" 1670)

"To God's elect, strangers in the world," 1 Peter 1:1

This world is a wilderness, and believers, as pilgrims and strangers, must pass through it to their heavenly Canaan. "For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." Hebrews 11:10

"And they admitted that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth." Hebrews 11:13

"Dear friends, I urge you, as strangers and pilgrims in the world," 1 Peter 2:11

The Scriptures, by frequently calling believers pilgrims, sojourners, strangers, does sufficiently evidence that there is no abiding place for them in this fleeting world. This poor world is not their country, their city, their home, their habitation; and therefore they are not to place their hopes or hearts or affections upon things below. Heaven is their chief city, their best country, their most desirable home, and their everlasting habitation; and therefore their hopes, desires, breathings, longings should be heaven-ward, glory-ward!

Oh, when shall grace be swallowed up in glory!
When shall we take possession of our eternal mansions!
When shall we be with Christ, who is best of all!

"Live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear." 1 Peter 1:17