The new covenant is a call to become citizens of another realm—the kingdom of God. This is not a realm of this earth but one far above it and above every other realm in heaven and earth. The kingdom of God is preparing to come and assume its authority over the earth as well. When we join this realm, we are committing to live for it by being joined to the will of the King, who is over all. When we join Him and His domain, we agree to put His interests above any others, even our own. 

      We are not called to be secret agents of this realm but to very boldly and openly represent it. This will cause great discord with all whose devotion is to this present, evil realm for the rest of our lives on this planet. Not only are we rebelling against this earthly realm, but we are also seeking to get as many others as possible to do the same and to join us in preparing the way for the coming King and His kingdom.

      This new covenant we now have with the Creator and King of all is also an invitation to pursue the high calling of God in Christ. This is a call to be more than just subjects of the coming kingdom but to become members of the royal family of the universe.

      This high calling is what the apostle Paul was seeking when, near the end of one of the most remarkable lives in service in church history, he said he still did not regard himself as having achieved the highest position in heaven or earth. He described this as “the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (see Philippians 3). Paul was not talking about redemption or eternal life when he wrote this, as he had attained those the moment he believed in Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for us and the entire earth on the cross.

      So, what are the requirements for achieving this “high calling of God in Christ Jesus?” The answer to this is more than we can cover in one Word for the Week. However, just as this answer is sown throughout the Scriptures, especially in the book of Revelation, we will cover this throughout this study. As we do, know that seeing it and understanding it is the call to pursue it.

      We must also keep in mind that we “know in part” (see 1 Corinthians 13:9-10). In this life, we will not know everything about this high calling—and probably not even as much as we would like. The Lord seems to have seen fit to only share what we need to pursue it, to provoke us to rise above and seek service to the King that transcends the present shallow and lukewarm devotion that is considered normal Christianity. This is the stature faith in Him required in the beginning—and should always have.

      Giving the best of ourselves to Him every day should be the most important thing in our lives. There are spectacular eternal benefits to becoming a citizen of His kingdom. For those who see beyond this world and respond to the high calling of God in Christ, the potential eternal benefits are far beyond what our presently limited minds can comprehend. These are seeking to become joint heirs with Christ—His own brothers and sisters, members of the royal family of the universe—and to share His divine nature. This is the “better resurrection” that is referred to in Scripture, but it is hidden from those who do not serve Him with the ultimate devotion. For this reason, this is not something we should press upon anyone, but we should let the Lord make the call for them to run this race as He sees fit.

      The New Testament speaks to both those who would “run the race” for this high calling and those who would serve Him on any level, calling all to do and to be more. Likewise, the eternal position we will have with Him will be commensurate with the devotion and obedience to Him and the call we had in this life. We see this throughout His teachings, and it is illuminated in this revelation he gave for His “bond-servants” (see Revelation 1:1). However, one could live this life and attain to it even if they do not see it or believe in it. The key is consecration and devotion that would have us lay down our interests to pursue His.

      Just as not many Christians are disciples according to the definition Jesus gave for this, even fewer are “bond-servants.” Disciples have as their main devotion in life to learn of their Master, to be like Him, and to do the works that He did. A bond-servant truly lives as the slave of his Master, not considering that anything they have is theirs—not even themselves or their time. They are merely stewards who seek to obey Him in the management of all He entrusts to them.

      What would your life be like if you truly lived this way? One thing is sure: It would be much better than a life of serving ourselves.