Walking In Heaven

 Walking In Heaven


In the old King James Version, Philippians 3:20 reads this way: "Our conversation is in heaven."  The Greek word for "conversation" can mean "citizenship," or even "commonwealth."  The point is, that for the regenerate saints of the true church, our "conversation," our life, our "citizenship," is indeed, "in heaven"--even as we still dwell here on Earth, as the church militant.

 

. . . In fact, our most real "conversations" or lifestyles, or actions are in heaven, (even now).  They are the most authentic ones/the most satisfying ones/and the most enduring ones.

 

So, the obvious questions that must be answered, are, "What does this mean?"  And, "How is this achieved?" . . . For the Christian saint to "live in heaven," is to have his or her mind there, united to Christ and His grace.  And the means by which this is accomplished is through faith in Jesus, as the Holy Spirit fills our hearts, souls, and minds with God's love and His thoughts.

 

Somebody might be inclined to say, "Well, this is obviously only something reserved for 'super-saints.' 'Ordinary' Christians could never experience anything like this."  But, in fact, this is actually not true at all.  Once a person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, through regeneration (the new birth), the potential for this heavenly life immediately accrues (to that newborn child of gospel grace).

 

In reality, the next time any of us who love Jesus, have a truly spiritual, Christ-centered and -glorifying conversation with anyone (particularly, a fellow Christ-adoring saint), we are having our "conversation" "in heaven."  Up there, with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, the fellowship we enjoy--even with one another--is holy, honest, pleasant, and God-honoring.  Our Triune Sovereign is pleased with it, (and us).

 

Ironically, it is existence in the "flesh," i.e. the false self, that is "non-real," and unauthentic.  The "life" of sin is false and illusory.  The life (true life) in the Spirit is real, concrete, and lovely.  It leaves no "bitter taste" in our spiritual "mouths."  Interestingly, only those (saints) who are "heavenly-minded" are of any "earthly good."  Sin brings us down to the "unreal" world below; grace lifts us up to the "real" world above, where Jesus is.

 

Somebody might be asking, "Well, what do I have to do to 'Walk in Heaven' today?"  Actually, I would say that you do not need to "do" anything.  Instead, understand who you are, in Christ; and be who you are, in Christ.  If and as you do this, you will find yourself "talking" to God a lot--in fact, almost all the time.  This "talking" with your loving Heavenly Father, in and through Jesus Christ, by the power and intercession of the Holy Spirit, is the essence of "Walking in Heaven."

 

As the church of Jesus, we get a special experience of the "heavenly walk," when and as we celebrate The Lord's Supper services together on those sweet Sundays (when we do this).  This privilege sets the stage for us, to live in and "walk in" heaven throughout the rest of our Christian churched lives.

 

Paul often reflects on (and alludes to) this "walk in heaven."  Here are just two references to it--Col. 3:1-2, which says this: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth," (ESV); and Php. 3:14, where we read this: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus," (ESV).

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #88

1 April 2026

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

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