Citizens of Heaven: Why Nationalism Distorts the Gospel

Citizens of Heaven: Why Nationalism Distorts the Gospel

Patriotism can be good, but nationalism can be deadly. While gratitude for one’s country is natural, when national identity becomes entwined with the gospel, the result is distortion. Many in history have equated loyalty to Christ with loyalty to a flag, but Scripture is clear: our highest citizenship is not earthly but heavenly. The church must resist confusing God’s eternal kingdom with temporary nations, for such confusion corrupts both faith and witness.

Biblical Foundation

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20, NASB)

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.’” (John 18:36, NASB)

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him.’” (Acts 10:34–35, NASB)

Historical & Contextual Notes

Throughout Israel’s history, nationalism was both a gift and a temptation. God gave Israel a covenant identity as His people, but they repeatedly confused that privilege with superiority. By the time of Jesus, many expected the Messiah to overthrow Rome and restore a nationalist kingdom. Instead, Christ declared His kingdom was not of this world.

The early church spread across borders and cultures, calling both Jew and Gentile into one body. Yet throughout history, the temptation has persisted: the Roman Empire co-opted Christianity for political power, medieval kings fought “holy wars,” and in modern times, nations have often baptized their politics with religious language.

Misconceptions / Objections

1. “Loving your country is the same as serving God.”

   Gratitude for one’s nation is good, but nationalism elevates country to an idol. Faithfulness to Christ sometimes means standing against the sins of one’s nation.

2. “God favors certain nations.”

   While God used Israel uniquely in redemptive history, the gospel makes clear: “in every nation the one who fears Him… is acceptable to Him” (Acts 10:35). No modern nation holds covenant status.

3. “Christianity depends on political strength.”

   The church has often thrived most under persecution, not political dominance. Christ promised the gates of hell would not prevail against His church—not that nations would guarantee its success.

Theological Reflection

The Greek word for “citizenship” in Philippians 3:20 is πολίτευμα (politeuma), meaning commonwealth or civic identity. Paul writes this to Philippians proud of their Roman citizenship, reminding them of a higher allegiance. Our identity is not primarily political but spiritual, not earthly but eternal.

Nationalism distorts the gospel by binding it to borders, cultures, or political systems. It narrows Christ’s universal kingdom into a tribal banner, reducing the cross to a national emblem. When the church confuses earthly politics with heavenly citizenship, it risks preaching “another gospel.”

Connection to Christ

Christ dismantled nationalism by making peace between Jew and Gentile, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). His kingdom gathers people “from every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Revelation 7:9).

At His trial, Jesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). At His resurrection, He commissioned disciples to make followers of all nations (Matthew 28:19). His kingdom transcends political boundaries, uniting believers in Himself.

Christ-Centered Conclusion

To be a Christian is not to be defined by geography or nationalism, but by allegiance to Christ. We can honor our nations, pray for leaders, and seek justice where we live. But we must never confuse earthly loyalty with the eternal kingdom.

We are not first citizens of any country—we are citizens of heaven. Our hope, identity, and allegiance belong to Christ alone. As we live faithfully here, we await the return of our true King, who will gather His people into the one eternal nation: the kingdom of God.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.