As Christians, we are often described as pilgrims or travelers in this world. Our true home is in heaven, and while we are on earth, we are called to live with a sense of purpose and hope. Today, we’ll look at what the Bible says about being a pilgrim and how this perspective shapes how we live, think, and approach life’s challenges.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Doctrine Of Hell
What Does The Bible Say About Being A Pilgrim
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are not citizens of this world but rather temporary residents. It calls us to live differently, to resist the temptations of the world around us, and to keep our focus on our eternal home.
As pilgrims on a journey, we are called to live in a way that reflects our true citizenship in the kingdom of God, shunning the sinful desires that can entangle and ensnare us. We are to be strangers, set apart from the values and behaviors of this world, and instead, be guided by the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:13
“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.”
This verse illustrates the faith-filled lives of those who have gone before us, acknowledging that their true home was not on this earth. It serves as a reminder that as believers, our focus should not be solely on the temporal things of this world, but on the eternal promises of God.
Even though they did not see the fulfillment of all God’s promises in their lifetime, they embraced their identity as strangers and foreigners on earth, longing for the heavenly city that God had prepared for them. This challenges us to live with a similar perspective, looking beyond the present circumstances and setting our hearts on the kingdom that is to come.
Psalm 119:19
“I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.”
In this verse, the psalmist affirms his identity as a stranger in this world and expresses his dependence on God’s guidance and instruction. He recognizes that as a pilgrim on this earth, he needs divine wisdom to navigate the challenges and temptations that surround him.
Similarly, as Christians, we must recognize our need for God’s Word to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. By seeking His commands, we align ourselves with His will and are equipped to live as pilgrims who are on a journey towards our heavenly home.
Genesis 23:4
“I am a foreigner and stranger among you. Sell me some property for a burial site here so I can bury my dead.”
Abraham’s words to the Hittites in this verse highlight his recognition that he was a foreigner and stranger in the land where he dwelled. Despite his significant influence and wealth, he understood that his true inheritance was not in earthly possessions but in the promises of God.
As pilgrims, we are called to have a similar perspective, recognizing that our true inheritance is not found in the things of this world but in our relationship with God. This mindset allows us to live with open hands, using the resources God has entrusted to us for His purposes and not becoming attached to temporary earthly possessions.
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven, not in the earthly realms. As pilgrims, we eagerly anticipate the return of our Savior, who will establish His eternal kingdom and reunite us with our heavenly citizenship.
This truth should shape our perspective and priorities, redirecting our focus from worldly pursuits to the eternal promises of God. It also serves as a source of hope and encouragement as we navigate the challenges of this world, knowing that our ultimate home is with our heavenly Father.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Matthew 7:13-14
“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.”
These verses emphasize the pilgrim’s journey as a choice between two paths. The wide gate and broad road represent the popular path, filled with worldly temptations and distractions, ultimately leading to destruction.
In contrast, the small gate and narrow road represent the path of discipleship, which requires commitment, sacrifice, and a distinct separation from the ways of the world. This passage reminds us that our pilgrim’s journey may not always be easy, but the eternal life and intimacy with God that await us make it worth every step.
Galatians 6:14
“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.”
This verse speaks to the transformative power of the cross in the life of a pilgrim. It invites us to find our identity and boast solely in the finished work of Jesus on the cross, for through His cross, the world’s influence over us is crucified, and we are crucified to the world.
As pilgrims, we are called to detach ourselves from the allure and conformity of this world, finding our worth and significance in the redemption and grace found in Christ alone. The cross becomes the anchor of our identity and the lens through which we view and navigate the temporal challenges and joys of our pilgrim’s journey.
1 Peter 1:17
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
In this verse, Peter reminds us that as pilgrims, we are accountable to God, who judges impartially. Our awareness of His holy and righteous judgment calls us to a life of reverent fear and obedience.
Living as foreigners in this world involves manifesting the character and values of our Heavenly Father, even when it is difficult or goes against the prevailing culture. It challenges us to examine our actions, motives, and choices, ensuring that they align with the truth and standards of God’s kingdom.
Psalm 39:12
“Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. I dwell with you as a foreigner, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.”
David’s prayer in this verse acknowledges his identity as a foreigner and stranger in this world. He seeks God’s intervention, recognizing his dependence on the Lord as he navigates the challenges and hardships of his earthly pilgrimage.
As pilgrims, we are called to cultivate a posture of prayerful dependence, consistently seeking the Lord’s guidance, protection, and provision. We are to recognize that our true dwelling place is in God’s presence, and our constant communication with Him sustains and directs us on the path of righteousness.
Hebrews 13:14
“For here, we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”
This verse reminds us that the world in which we presently reside is not our permanent home. Our eyes are fixed on the eternal city, the heavenly dwelling place that God has prepared for His children.
As pilgrims, we are called to live with a perspective that transcends the temporal, investing our time, talents, and resources in endeavors that have eternal significance. Our hope rests in the fulfillment of God’s promises in the age to come, where we will experience the fullness of His presence and enjoy the everlasting inheritance He has prepared for us.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight.”
In these verses, the apostle Paul expresses his confidence in the midst of the tension between his earthly existence and his eternal relationship with the Lord. He acknowledges that as long as he lives in this earthly body, he is separated from the fullness of God’s presence.
Living by faith enables us, as pilgrims, to navigate this tension. Though we cannot physically see God, we trust in His promises and rely on His guidance as we journey toward our eternal home. This faith empowers us to find hope and joy amidst the challenges of this world, knowing that our ultimate destination is with the Lord.
Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are reconciled to God, no longer foreigners and strangers but citizens of His kingdom. We are adopted as sons and daughters and given the privilege of belonging to God’s family.
This truth transforms our pilgrim’s journey, offering us a sense of belonging, community, and purpose. We are not alone in our journey; we have fellow pilgrims who share the same heavenly citizenship, encouraging one another and bearing witness to the grace and love of our Heavenly Father.
Psalm 84:5
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
This psalm celebrates the blessedness of those who find their strength in God and whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. It acknowledges that the journey itself is a source of joy and blessing when our focus is fixed on the Lord.
As pilgrims, we are called to keep our hearts and minds set on God, seeking Him above all else and finding our strength and sustenance in Him. It is in this posture of dependence and surrender that we experience His blessings and discover the true purpose and fulfillment of our pilgrim’s journey.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
In this verse, believers are instructed to set their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly matters. As pilgrims, our minds and affections should be directed towards the eternal realities of God’s kingdom, not consumed by the fleeting pursuits and distractions of this world.
By intentionally setting our minds on things above, we guard against being entangled and ensnared by the temporary allurements of this world. This allows us to maintain clarity of purpose and cultivate a heavenly perspective that influences our thoughts, desires, and actions.
Luke 14:27
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”
Jesus’ words in this verse reiterate the call to take up our cross and follow Him. As pilgrims on a journey, we are challenged to embrace the sacrificial nature of discipleship and count the cost of true commitment to Christ.
Carrying our cross involves a willingness to surrender our own desires, ambitions, and comforts, aligning ourselves with the will of God. It requires perseverance, humility, and a wholehearted commitment to follow Jesus, even when the path is challenging and requires personal sacrifice.
1 Chronicles 29:15
“We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.”
In this verse, King David acknowledges the transient and temporary nature of human existence. He recognizes that our lives on earth are but a fleeting shadow and that we are foreigners and strangers in the sight of God.
As pilgrims, this perspective humbles us, reminding us of our dependence on God’s grace and guidance. It encourages us to find our hope and security not in the things of this world but in the eternal promises and presence of the One who created and sustains us.
John 17:16
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus asserts that His disciples are not of this world, just as He Himself is not of this world. This statement affirms the identity and purpose of His followers as pilgrims who are called to live in the world but not be conformed to its values and systems.
As pilgrims, we are to be ambassadors of a different kingdom, manifesting the love, grace, and truth of Christ in our interactions and relationships. By living counter-culturally and distinctively, we bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel and invite others to join us on this pilgrim’s journey.
Romans 12:2
“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.”
The apostle Paul urges believers to resist conformity to the patterns and values of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of their minds. As pilgrims, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, perspectives, and desires in alignment with God’s will.
By actively renewing our minds through the study and application of God’s Word, we gain discernment and clarity to understand and embrace God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. This transformation empowers us to live as faithful pilgrims who are set apart for His purposes, even in the midst of a culture that may oppose or misunderstand our convictions.
Psalm 119:54
“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.”
In this verse, the psalmist declares that regardless of his temporary dwelling place, he finds delight and finds his spiritual sustenance in God’s decrees. As pilgrims, we are called to prioritize and cherish the Word of God, making it the theme of our lives wherever we find ourselves.
By dwelling on His Word and seeking to live it out daily, we are nourished, encouraged, and guided on our journey. It becomes our source of wisdom, comfort, and assurance as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of the pilgrim’s path.
1 Timothy 6:7
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our earthly possessions. As pilgrims, we recognize that our material wealth and possessions hold no eternal value or significance.
It challenges us to adopt a mindset of stewardship, using our resources in ways that honor God and further His kingdom. Our focus shifts from accumulating temporal treasures to investing in heavenly treasures that will endure beyond our earthly pilgrimage.
Psalm 119:19
“I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.”
Another verse from Psalm 119, this declaration by the psalmist emphasizes his awareness of being a stranger on earth and his reliance on God’s commands for guidance and instruction.
As pilgrims, we echo this sentiment, recognizing our need for divine wisdom to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of our earthly sojourn. We depend on the living Word of God to reveal His truth, illuminate our path, and guard us against the deceptive ways of the world.