Christian Patriotism, Part One

What is a patriot? According to Webster’s Dictionary, the official definition of the word is “a person who loves his or her country and strongly supports it.” With the addition of the descriptor “Christian” before the term “patriot”, how does the definition change? Can there even exist such a term as “Christian patriot”? Since a Christian’s sole allegiance (hence the very moniker) is to Christ, His teachings on this matter stand above other claims. The Holy Scriptures, which are the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16), provide us with direction for these questions. In the history of our own nation, these are important questions to answer, since the moral fabric of our culture continues to disintegrate and the Judeo-Christian values upon which our nation was founded are gradually, yet disturbingly, being discarded.

The Bible makes no qualms on the matter. There are really only two kingdoms in the matters of eternity; and only one of these will remain. There is the kingdom of God, within which every follower of Jesus Christ is forever a part. Then, there is the kingdom of darkness (Colossians 1:13). (Technically, the term “kingdom of darkness” better translates as “authority” or “dominion” of darkness.) All those who have rejected Jesus Christ are now under this rule, and this kingdom will eventually be cast into eternal condemnation. So, the kingdoms of this world to which we so often refer (countries or nations) are actually temporary allegiances with which we have connection only during the years of our lives or the years in which these earthly kingdoms are given by God to exist. Once we have turned from the rebellion of our sin and trusted in Christ with the rule of our souls, we then give complete allegiance to His kingdom alone (Philippians 3:20). However, until the return of Christ and His physical rule, we are to be “salt and light” in the culture in which we live (Matthew 5:13-16). God has not removed us from the world, but rather has sent us into the world with the hope of the gospel (John 17:15-18). The governments of this world, including that of the United States of America, are given by God and accountable to Him, for the maintaining of justice and the promotion of that which is good (Romans 13:1-4).

So, it is both biblical and sensible for Christians to be patriots. We should hope the best for the nation in which God has purposed for us to inhabit. We should pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3), submit to their authority (1 Peter 2:13-17), and, when possible, enact change in government so that every hindrance to the gospel would be removed. Since government is given by God, it is accountable to Him. Since ours is a constitutional republic (“a government of the people, by the people, for the people”), God has charged us to influence government in such a way that it is both right and just. Over the course of the past several months we have been reminded of the immense influence we hold at the ballot box. Additionally, there may be occasions when we must stand against an unjust government law when it opposes the ultimate law of God (Acts 5:27-29). In such serious matters, we must tread forward prayerfully, boldly, and with great gentleness and respect.

When referring to patriotism, most envision military service or similar acts of extreme sacrifice for the sake of the nation. Yet, might there be other means by which we could be “Christian patriots”? One aspect in our gospel calling, for which we have shamefully and woefully ignored, is that of evangelism, or our Christian witness. Since the gospel demands that “None is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10) and that none can be justified before God apart from faith in Jesus Christ alone, why would we foolishly infer that a nation will be changed by laws rather than by the Holy Spirit of God? Since the ability to do right before God requires a heart that is right before God, why would we ignore the only means by which one can be made right with God? We must be given a new life in Christ so that we might be right before Him (John 3:3). God can and does use the ungodly to accomplish His purposes. Yet, His design and desire are to transform lives with the gospel, thereby setting them apart for good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). When one receives the gospel of Jesus Christ in faith, a new creation results (2 Corinthians 5:17). Where once one was darkened in the futility of his thinking (Romans 1:21), he is now given a new mind in Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Patriotism by evangelism is not a radical concept. Note remarks given in history by the very men who established the United States of American government.

We have not government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.—John Adams, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and 2nd President of the United States

Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure (and) which insures to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.—Charles Carroll, Signer of the Declaration of Independence

It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.—George Washington, 1st President of the United States

As our Founding Fathers concurred, but even more so, as God’s Word reveals, a righteous nation cannot exist apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ. A nation will only thrive to the degree that its citizens are following the teachings of the Bible and living under the grace of God. So, while voting and political engagement have a place in patriotism, unquestionably the most effective way to show our love for this nation is by loving our neighbor with the gospel. Since the gospel is still the most powerful force in our world (Romans 1:16), let us tell the story of Jesus, one soul at a time, and watch as God can awaken a nation to His righteousness and for His glory!

Jason