Presently, there is much discussion on the subject of Christian nationalism and the idea that particular countries are historically, Christian. The scriptures do speak of a holy nation, but it is not defined by geographical borders, political allegiances or religious influences such as Christmas, parliamentary prayer, or a state church. God’s nation is spiritual and comprises of those who have received the new birth. God’s nation is His people.
Jesus said to the nationally minded Samaritan woman, “believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father……..The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. (24) God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:21-24.
Jesus corrected the Pharisees concerning God’s kingdom in this world, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; (21) nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21
Jesus explained the nature of His kingdom to Pilate the Roman governor, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (37) Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:36-37.
The apostle Peter writing to Jewish and Gentile believers, said this of them, “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; (10) who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10.
God’s nation exists in three distinct stages:
The primitive stage (the church on earth). By primitive I mean the first stage, the beginning. People enter the church (a local congregation) through faith and repentance expressed in baptism. This is made by possible by the Holy Spirit applying truth to our hearts. It means that Christians belong to a spiritual nation within an earthly nation. We are dual citizens residing in two kingdoms – one celestial the other terrestrial.
The intermediate stage (the church in heaven). Intermediate meaning in the middle, or in between. When Christians die they go to be with the Lord in heaven and as such they belong to the heavenly church. They exist between the world they have left and the new world which Christ will inaugurate when He returns. At present they are perfectly happy worshipping in the presence of their Saviour, but their salvation is yet to be completed. It will be so when they return with Him and receive their bodies raised to life. Believers who are on earth when He returns will be changed in an instant.
The consummated stage (the church of the new heavens & the new earth). The renewal of this fallen world is described it both testaments. It was the hope of God’s ancient people under the old covenant, and it is the hope of God’s present people under the new covenant. With perfected bodies and spirits, in complete wholeness, the church will inhabit a world which has been cleansed of its fallenness. A world fit for Messiah and for a righteous people who will serve and worship Him free from everything that hinders them now.
In this sense all believers are Christian nationalists and belong to the one and only Christian nation – the church.