Christians are Pilgrims
According to 1 Peter, and this is a major theme in the letter, Christians are by nature pilgrims in this world. In this letter Peter addresses a group of multiethnic Christians as elect exiles of the Dispersion. A number of biblical scholars agree that he is not writing to literal pilgrims. Instead, he is stating what is true of them in light of their special relationship with God in Jesus Christ. According to the triune God’s initiative these Christians are God’s chosen people. As such, they may live in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, but that is not their true home. In fact, they belong to another world.
In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone the story begins by introducing us to Harry and his living situation with his extended family, the Dursleys. However, it becomes clear, through extraordinary events, that Harry does not fit in with his family. Rather, he belongs to the world of magic and Hogwarts. According to the extraordinary grace of God, Christians do not belong to another world.
On this point Paul agrees with Peter. In Philippians 3:20 Paul insists, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Instead of using the language of sojourner or pilgrim, Paul uses the language of citizenship to make the same claim. He argues that Christians may live in Philippi, Rome, or the United States, but ultimately they belong to another country.
In the last book of the Bible the Apostle John looks forward and describes the world to come where Christians come fully home. It is the world of the New Creation where heaven and earth are forever united in Christ. It is a world that is teeming with life and is unburdened by the thorns and thistles of sin and death. This is the Christian’s true home and until the day of its arrival it is being kept in heaven, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.
So then, whether we grew up in the town in which we currently live or just moved there makes no difference in Christ. In this world we are exiles, foreigners, and pilgrims because we belong to another world, the one that is to come.
