Heavenly Allegiance vs. Earthly Fusion
“Faith Beyond Borders, Allegiance Beyond Nations”
Introduction
Words shape perception, and perception shapes reality. Few terms illustrate this more vividly than “Christian” and “Christian Nationalist.” At first glance, they may appear interchangeable; both invoke the name of Christ, both suggest a public faith. Yet a closer look reveals starkly different realities: one rooted in spiritual discipleship and allegiance to Christ’s eternal kingdom, the other in a socio-political ideology that blends Christianity with national identity and governance.
This article aims to provide a clear, Scripture-driven framework to distinguish the two. The goal is not persuasion for or against, but clarity. By grounding our discussion in biblical texts, such as (Philippians 3:18 20), (John 18:36), (Matthew 22:37 39), and (Matthew 28:19 20), we can evaluate these concepts with theological and intellectual integrity.
The True Christian: Our Citizenship in Heaven
The apostle Paul describes a Christian as one whose primary allegiance is to the kingdom of God. He writes, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Paul wrote this to believers in Philippi, a Roman colony where citizenship was highly valued. By using the word citizenship (Greek: politeuma), Paul reminded them that their ultimate identity was not tied to Rome or any earthly nation, but to heaven. Jesus echoes this when He tells Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
In (Philippians 3:18-19), Paul warns of those who live as “enemies of the cross of Christ.” He describes them as:
Destined for destruction—separated from God.
Driven by appetites—worshiping self-gratification rather than God.
Glorying in shame—taking pride in sin.
Earthly-minded—fixated on temporary matters.
By contrast, believers are called to live as heavenly citizens now, reflecting values of love, humility, holiness, and faithfulness while eagerly awaiting Christ’s return. Our lives must be shaped not by earthly kingdoms but by the eternal reality of God’s reign.
Jesus summarized this heavenly allegiance: “You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). He commissioned His followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Christianity, biblically understood, is a spiritual identity rooted in grace and discipleship, transcending nationality, ethnicity, and politics.
Christian Nationalism: Faith Fused with Nation
Christian Nationalism, particularly in the United States, is more than Christians participating in politics. It is an ideology that fuses American civic identity with a particular form of Christianity. Scholars Samuel Perry and Andrew Whitehead describe it as “a cultural framework that idealizes and advocates a fusion of American civic life with a particular type of Christian identity and culture” (From the book Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry).
Core Characteristics:
Divine Favor – The belief that God specially chose America for blessing and responsibility, much like Israel in the Old Testament.
Providential Destiny – The idea that God raised up America for a mission: spreading Christianity, modeling morality, or serving as a “city on a hill” (Matthew 5:14).
Historical Narrative – Reading national successes as evidence of God’s blessing.
Advocates point to founding-era rhetoric, while critics argue that the U.S. Constitution deliberately created a secular government, avoiding religious tests and privileging no faith. Figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison emphasized liberty of conscience, not the establishment of a Christian state.
Prominent voices ranging from David Barton and Robert Jeffress to Franklin Graham and Charlie Kirk argue that America was founded on biblical principles and must return to its Christian roots. This vision often sees government as a vehicle for preserving Christian morals and shaping culture.
Shared Foundations: Where They Overlap
Despite differences, Christians and Christian Nationalists share key commitments:
Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Matthew 16:16).
Confidence in Scripture’s authority (2 Timothy 3:16).
A call to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:19).
A moral vision shaped by God’s Word (Exodus 20:12–13; Matthew 6:33).
A conviction that faith must be lived publicly (Matthew 5:16).
These commonalities explain why the two are often confused or conflated.
Diverging Paths: Heavenly Citizenship vs. National Identity
The distinction lies in where ultimate allegiance rests.
Christians anchor their identity in God’s kingdom (Philippians 3:20), affirming Jesus’ words: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
Christian Nationalists fuse identity with America’s civic life, often claiming a providential destiny for the nation.
While both pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), Christians generally view politics as a temporary stewardship, whereas Christian Nationalists see it as an essential expression of faith. Scripture, however, reminds us: “He removes kings and raises kings” (Daniel 2:21).
Conclusion: Higher Allegiance
At the heart of the matter is this truth: a Christian’s identity is rooted in Christ and His eternal kingdom. Paul reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). Jesus declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
To follow Christ means to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39) and to spread the gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:19–20). While Christian Nationalism ties faith to national destiny, Scripture calls believers to a higher allegiance, one not defined by earthly borders, but by eternal fellowship with the King of kings.
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us that our faithful citizenship is in heaven. Guard our hearts from becoming entangled in the fleeting powers of this world, and fix our eyes on Your eternal kingdom. Teach us to love You with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Strengthen us to live as faithful witnesses of Christ, eagerly awaiting His return. May our allegiance always rest in You, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.