Kingdom First

The Old Testament teaches that all nations are under demonic influence (Psalm 96:5; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:20). This influence runs deep within every earthly nation-state, making them, at their core, opposed to the coming kingdom of God (Ps 2).

In contrast, the New Testament reveals that God has now formed one new, holy nation—the Church—whom Paul calls “the Israel of God” (Gal 6:16). This redeemed, chosen community is set apart from every race, color, or national and political identity (1 Peter 2:9). The people of God are now defined by their allegiance to Jesus the Messiah and His coming kingdom. The Church alone fulfills and inherits Israel’s covenant role under the new covenant gospel of the kingdom. Because of this, believers are described as “foreigners and exiles” in this world (1 Peter 2:11)—citizens not of any earthly nation but of the one that will come from heaven (Phil 3:20).

Therefore, our primary loyalty and identity should never be bound up with the nations of this present world, which remain in rebellion against the Lord and His anointed King (Psalm 2). The ultimate Christian allegiance, identity, and citizenship belong to the coming Jerusalem from above—the coming kingdom of God on a renewed earth.

All nations, with their borders, flags, anthems, and politicians, remain under “the rulers of this age” (1Cor 2:6–8)—the “principalities and powers” (Eph. 6:12). These systems, though at times permitted or established by God for His own purposes (Rom. 13:1–7), still stand apart from the redeemed people of God.

The Church and the State are fundamentally at odds with each other.

This biblical worldview calls Christians to think and speak differently. We must stop referring to any earthly nation as “we” or “us.” Such language implies shared loyalty or responsibility that contradicts the teaching of Jesus and his apostles. Instead, followers of Christ should always refer to the nations of this world as “they” or “them.” This is not just a matter of words—it’s a declaration of our identity as pilgrims and a safeguard against demonic idolatry.

When Christians ask, “What are we going to do about this evil in our country?” it reveals a confused identity. The clearer question should be, “What are they going to do?”

Our job is not to reform the nations but to proclaim the gospel of the coming Kingdom of God, to pray for rulers and those in authority (1Tim 2:1–2), and to live quiet, peaceful, and godly lives (1Thess 4:11; 1 Peter 2:12–17). We wait for the return of our true King—Messiah Jesus—who will establish His unchallenged government (Phil 3:20–21; Rev. 11:15).

Do not be misled by Christians who speak of any earthly nation as “ours.”

All nations and governments—not just some—remain under demonic influence, part of this present evil age. But we belong to the glorious kingdom age to come.

Remember the words of our Lord to Pilate, the politician, in John 18:36:

“My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would be fighting....But my kingdom is not from this world.”