Where in the Bible does it say we are foreigners in this world?

The concept that believers are “foreigners” or “strangers” in this world is woven throughout the Bible. This imagery encourages Christians to view their earthly lives as temporary, with their true citizenship and home found in heaven. But where exactly does the Bible say this, and what does it mean for people of faith today? In this blog post, we’ll explore the key passages, their context, and the practical implications of being spiritual foreigners in a world that is not our ultimate home.

Key Passages: Where the Bible Calls Us Foreigners

The language of foreignness and exile appears in both the Old and New Testaments. One of the most direct references is Hebrews 11:13, which says about the patriarchs of faith: “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 declaration refers to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others who, despite God’s promises, lived as nomads, never fully settling in the land God promised them.

1 Peter 2:11 addresses Christians as “foreigners and exiles,” urging them to “abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” Here, Peter encourages believers to resist the values and temptations of the world, reminding them that their true belonging is elsewhere.

Another well-known verse is Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” While the word “foreigner” is not used directly, the implication is clear: Christians belong to a different kingdom and are, therefore, outsiders in the world’s systems and priorities.

Old Testament Roots: Pilgrims and Sojourners

The Old Testament also uses the imagery of sojourning to describe the faith journey. In Genesis 23:4, Abraham, when seeking a burial place for Sarah, says to the Hittites, “I am a foreigner and stranger among you.” Likewise, the Israelites’ history is marked by periods of wandering, exile, and return, which shaped their identity as a people who rely on God rather than earthly security.

Psalm 39:12 reinforces this theme: “Hear my prayer, Lord…for I am a foreigner with you, a stranger, as all my ancestors were.” The psalmist recognizes the brevity and transience of human life and expresses a longing for a deeper, eternal connection with God.

New Testament Perspective: Not of This World

Jesus Himself emphasized the distinction between His followers and the world. In John 17:14-16, He prays to the Father, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” While not using the term “foreigner,” the sentiment is the same: Christians are set apart and destined for a different, eternal reality.

The Apostle Paul also picks up this theme. In Ephesians 2:19, he writes, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” This verse points to the transformation that happens through faith in Christ—believers are no longer outsiders to God’s kingdom, even if they remain outsiders in the world.

What Does It Mean to Be a Foreigner in This World?

Understanding that we are foreigners in this world shapes Christian identity and perspective. It reminds believers that their values, priorities, and ultimate hopes should differ from those of the broader culture. This doesn’t mean disengaging from the world, but instead living with the awareness that earthly life is temporary and that one’s primary allegiance is to God.

Being a foreigner also means expecting to feel out of place at times. The Bible acknowledges that faith can bring misunderstanding, isolation, or even persecution. Yet, it also promises a deeper belonging in God’s family and an enduring hope beyond the present world.

Practical Implications for Believers Today

For modern Christians, embracing the identity of a foreigner encourages humility, compassion, and perseverance. It can help believers hold loosely to material possessions and social status, focusing instead on eternal values. It also fosters a spirit of hospitality and empathy toward literal foreigners and outsiders, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized.