Eph 2:19-22

Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household,

Paul uses descriptions known by his readers.

“Foreigners” had no rights or privileges in the city or country.

“Strangers” lived among them with limited privileges but Paul says that through Jesus, we are no longer on the outside like that.

No, we are “citizens” with full access to all rights and privileges.

The Message version of the Bible says this verse well:

“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone.” (Eph 2:19 MSG)

This citizenship is built upon a proper foundation.

Ephesians 2:20
...Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

This is to say, do not go chasing the “latest & greatest”, so-called God thing. If it doesn’t fit the parameters of the Bible and what has held true throughout 2000 years of Christendom, it’s likely not proper theology.

Ephesians 2:21
In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.

The outworking of this citizenship is also a physical and visible community of Christians coming together. A local church community is not optional for a Jesus follower. This corporate worship is one of the primary places where God meets with his people.