Life on Earth is just a temporary journey for Christians. The Bible reminds us that our true home is with God in heaven. Let’s explore some comforting verses that offer hope and assurance, reminding us that our trials here are brief compared to the eternal joy awaiting us.
Bible Verses about This World Is Not Our Home
John 14:2 – Our true home awaits us in the heavenly realms
“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” – John 14:2
Philippians 3:20 – We are citizens of heaven, not of this earth
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,” – Philippians 3:20
Hebrews 13:14 – We seek a lasting city beyond this world
“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” – Hebrews 13:14
1 Peter 2:11 – We are temporary residents and should live accordingly
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” – 1 Peter 2:11
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on the eternal, not the temporal
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
2 Corinthians 5:1 – We have a heavenly dwelling waiting for us
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1
Revelation 21:4 – God will wipe away all pain and suffering
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Matthew 6:19-20 – Invest in treasures that last beyond this life
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” – Matthew 6:19-20
James 4:14 – Our lives are fleeting like a vapor
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:14
Romans 12:2 – We must not conform to the patterns of this world
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Galatians 6:14 – Our boast is in the cross, not the world
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” – Galatians 6:14
1 John 2:15-17 – Love for the world fades away
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17
Matthew 7:13-14 – The way to life is narrow, leading away from the world
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14
2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Our goal is the crown of righteousness in eternity
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Matthew 5:14-16 – We are lights in a dark world, not of it
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14-16
Isaiah 40:6-8 – The transient nature of life reminds us of our eternal home
“A voice says, ‘Cry out.’ And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’ ‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.'” – Isaiah 40:6-8
Romans 8:18 – Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to future glory
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
1 Corinthians 15:22-23 – In Christ, we have hope beyond this world
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22-23
Hebrews 11:10 – We look forward to a city designed by God
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” – Hebrews 11:10
Matthew 28:20 – Christ is with us through our journey
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20
1 Peter 1:4 – Inheritance in heaven is imperishable
“And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” – 1 Peter 1:4
Revelation 22:12 – Christ is coming soon, and our hope is eternal
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
Psalm 119:19 – We are strangers and pilgrims in this land
“I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.” – Psalm 119:19
Titus 2:13 – We await our blessed hope, the return of Jesus
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13
Romans 12:1 – Offer your life as a living sacrifice while here
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Hebrews 11:13 – We acknowledge we are foreigners in this world
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” – Hebrews 11:13
As 1 John 3:2 – We will be like Him, fully in His presence
“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” – 1 John 3:2
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses about Jesus Lived the Perfect Life (Explained)
What Does The Bible Say about This World Is Not Our Home?
As we journey through life, we are often reminded that our time on Earth is temporary. This belief shapes our values, priorities, and how we interact with others. The Bible provides profound insights into this concept, urging us to remember that we are merely sojourners here. This perspective can transform our actions and minds as we aim to live with eternity in focus.
One compelling aspect of our earthly existence, according to biblical teachings, is the idea of being “foreigners and exiles” in this world. This notion suggests that, no matter how comfortable or challenging our circumstances may be, we are ultimately citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our true home lies beyond what we can see and touch. This understanding prompts us to hold our possessions and surroundings lightly, focusing on spiritual growth and eternal treasures.
The New Testament further encourages us to think of ourselves as citizens of heaven. This isn’t just a poetic way of speaking but a call to a radical lifestyle. We are invited to live in a way that reflects our true citizenship. It’s a call to pursue virtues like love, humility, and justice, as these are the values of our heavenly home. Even in moments of hardship or temptation, this enduring promise provides strength and hope.
Another related theme is the transient nature of earthly life. Various Scripture passages remind us that life is fleeting, much like a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This perspective isn’t meant to depress us; rather, it’s an invitation to make our days count. By realizing the brevity of life, we are motivated to invest our time and energy into what truly matters—our relationships, our integrity, and our faith.
Moreover, the encouragement to set our minds “on things above” speaks to the importance of maintaining an eternal focus. While it’s easy to become consumed by daily concerns and material pursuits, we are reminded to lift our eyes and hearts to higher, lasting truths. This shift in focus can dramatically alter our decision-making, making us more resilient and purposeful in our endeavors.
Community plays a significant role in living out this belief. Connecting with fellow believers helps us remember our shared identity and mission. Together, we can support each other, share wisdom, and encourage endurance. This communal aspect of faith not only strengthens us individually but also builds a powerful collective witness to the eternal hope we hold.
In conclusion, acknowledging that this world is not our home provides us with both a challenge and a comfort. It challenges us to live counter-culturally, to prioritize eternal over temporal, and to love deeply from a place of abundant grace. Simultaneously, it comforts us with the promise of a future where we will fully belong, free from sorrow and strife. As we navigate our earthly journey, let us carry this truth in our hearts and actions, offering a glimpse of our true home to the world around us.