Yes, Christians are already citizens of heaven.
Based on Scripture, believers are not only promised future citizenship but are already citizens of heaven now. Les Feldick emphasizes that while we live on earth, our position in God's mind is already in heaven, and this citizenship is tied to being translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son.
Philippians 3:20 — This verse directly states that our citizenship (or 'conversation' in KJV) is in heaven, affirming the believer's heavenly standing.
Colossians 1:13 — This verse says God has 'translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son,' indicating a present transfer of citizenship.
Philippians 3:20 declares, 'For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.' The King James Version uses 'conversation,' which speaks of our manner of life and, as Les Feldick notes, is better translated as 'citizenship.' Colossians 1:13 affirms, 'Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.' This teaches that at salvation, God delivers believers from the domain of darkness and transfers them into Christ's kingdom, which is presently in heaven.
Les Feldick teaches that believers are already citizens of heaven, not just future residents. He explains that at salvation, God 'translated' us from spiritual darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, which is currently located in heaven ([Clip 0]). This translation is past tense—it has already happened once we are saved. He emphasizes that even though we are still on 'terra firma' (the earth), we are positionally already in heaven in the mind of God ([Clip 1]). This citizenship is confirmed in Philippians 3:20, where 'conversation' is better translated as 'citizenship' ([Clip 7]). Les also connects this citizenship to the believer's role: we are members of the kingdom and will one day rule and reign with Christ when He establishes His earthly kingdom ([Clip 0]). Furthermore, he contrasts this with the unsaved world, noting that the unsaved think they are free but are actually bound in darkness, while believers are set free from that bondage ([Clip 0],[Clip 5]).
Les Feldick teaches that at salvation, God delivers believers from the power of darkness and translates them into the kingdom of His dear Son ([Clip 0]). This translation is a past event—God 'hath delivered us' and 'hath translated us'—and includes breaking the power of Satan, principalities, and the old Adamic nature ([Clip 0]). The kingdom is currently in heaven, and believers are members of it now ([Clip 2],[Clip 4]).
According to Les Feldick, believers are already members of the kingdom of heaven. He explains that the kingdom is currently in glory, in the person of Christ ([Clip 4]). Our citizenship is in heaven, and from there we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our vile body to be like His ([Clip 1],[Clip 7]).
Les Feldick highlights that the world perceives believers as bound by rules, but actually believers are set free from the power of darkness ([Clip 0]). The unsaved are in bondage to Satan and the old Adam, while believers have been translated into God's kingdom ([Clip 5]). This freedom is not license to do as one pleases but is a God-given liberty that leads believers to desire what is right.
Translation into the Kingdom
Les explains that at salvation God translates believers from darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, which is in heaven, and that this is a past event.
Citizenship in Heaven
Les emphasizes that believers are already in heaven positionally, even though they are on earth, and quotes Philippians 3:20 to show our citizenship is in heaven.
Kingdom in Heaven and Citizenship
Les teaches that the kingdom is in heaven and as members of the body of Christ, believers are also members of the kingdom, with citizenship in heaven.
What the Bible Really Says About the Prodigal Son
Now back up just one page, and that will take you to Philippians 3. We�ve been translated into the Kingdom by virtue of our salvation based on the Gospel, and now here�s our
Kingdom Located in Glory
Les points out that the kingdom is presently in glory, in the person of Christ, and that believers are already members of that kingdom.
Heavenly People
Les teaches that in the age of grace, believers are a heavenly people with heavenly promises, and our citizenship is in heaven even while on earth.
Spiritual Kingdom and Future Earthly Kingdom
Les explains that the kingdom is currently spiritual and in heaven, but will become a visible earthly kingdom when Christ returns, and believers will be with Him.
Citizenship and Looking for the Savior
Les clarifies that 'conversation' in Philippians 3:20 is better translated 'citizenship,' and that from heaven we look for the Savior.
Philippians 3:20: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
This verse directly states that believers' citizenship is in heaven, supporting the answer to the question.
Philippians 3:21: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
This verse shows the hope that comes with heavenly citizenship—our bodies will be transformed to be like Christ's.
Colossians 1:13: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
This verse confirms that believers have been already translated into Christ's kingdom, indicating present citizenship.
Yes, Philippians 3:20 says 'our conversation is in heaven,' which means our citizenship is in heaven. Also, Colossians 1:13 says we have been 'translated into the kingdom of his dear Son.'
Translated means transferred or moved from one place to another. At salvation, God moves believers from the power of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son, which is currently in heaven.
Yes, according to Les Feldick, believers are already citizens of heaven even while on earth. They are positionally in heaven in the mind of God.
Watch the Teaching: What Happens the Moment You're Saved? Colossians 1 Explained