Have you ever considered that your deepest sense of patriotism might not come from your national identity? I’d never considered the opportunity Christ gives born again believers to claim their Divine citizenship as their identity. National identities shape our loyalties, traditions, and even our conflicts. But there is a profound spiritual parallel. Just as we strongly identify with the nation of our birth or heritage—its customs, language, and values—so we can also embrace our eternal identity in the church, which is the spiritual nation Christ promised to build!
Wow—I’d never considered the church as a nation until I heard a sermon by Dr. Kenny Francis where he explained how the church was identified as a distinct “ethnos,” that is, a people group and culture established by God for His purposes in this age. The Bible explains:
“But 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 marvelous light; 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
In the Old Testament, we see nations as distinct people groups, each with their own identity and role in God’s plan. The book of Ezra provides a vivid example. After the Babylonian exile, God stirred the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia (present-day Iran), to proclaim the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem:
“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:2-3
Cyrus even returned the sacred articles stolen by Nebuchadnezzar, entrusting them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. (Ezra 1:7-8) Here, the Persian nation rises to aid the Jewish nation. The Jews were a distinct ethnos, marked by their covenant with God, their laws, and their worship. Fast-forward to the New Testament and witness a seismic shift. Jesus foretold the temporary setting aside of the Jewish nation due to their rejection of Him. Jesus said pointedly to the chief priests and Pharisees:
“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a NATION bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:43-45
The religious leaders perceived He spoke of them, and rightly so. And later, Jesus laments:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” Matthew 23:37-38
But God’s abandonment is not permanent—the Bible promises that one day, Israel will be reclaimed by Christ. (Romans 11:25-27) But it marked the dawn of the church age, where the kingdom is given to a new nation to be the house of witness for the Gospel—producing priceless spiritual fruit in the salvation of the souls of people. This new nation is the church, birthed on the Day of Pentecost as described in the book of Acts.
“Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles spoke in tongues, and devout Jews from every nation under heaven heard the wonderful works of God in their own languages: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and more—from Mesopotamia to Rome, Crete to Arabia.” Acts 2:4-11
This miraculous unity amid diversity signaled the formation of a spiritual ethnos, not bound by geography or bloodline, but by faith in Christ. And as Acts 2:47 notes, “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” immediately growing this nation of believers. As born-again followers of Christ, we are citizens of a heavenly nation, and we’re called to build a culture that reflects His kingdom. Just as earthly nations have identifiable traits—languages, customs, values—so does the church. We may not share a single spoken language, but the Bible instructs us in a unified way of speaking:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Our “language,” dress, and actions should reflect truth, love, encouragement, and glorify God, drawing others in. Our culture must be defined by both truth and the Fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” (Galatians 5:22-23) These aren’t optional traits; they set us apart, making us easily identifiable to a world searching for purpose, meaning, and a relationship with God through salvation. In an era of confusion and division, our lives should proclaim: “Here is a people whose identity is rooted in Christ, whose practices point to redemption.”
Importantly, this spiritual nation is built up of individual, independent local churches scattered all over the world—much like the first-century churches described in the New Testament. After Pentecost and the scattering that followed persecution (Acts 8:1), believers formed distinct local gatherings in homes across regions like Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Rome, and beyond. (Acts 9:31; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19) These were not loosely affiliated groups but committed communities with devoted members who shared life, had mutual accountability, and established local leadership. (1 Corinthians 12:26; Galatians 6:1-2) Each was autonomous in its governance yet united in Christ as part of His Body. Today, in clear alignment with that Biblical pattern, Christ’s church consists of countless local congregations—each independent, each with committed members who covenant together in faith—yet all forming the singular nation that Christ is building.
This structure preserves local vitality and accountability while displaying the oneness of one nation in Christ.
Christ is building His church as a nation that bears eternal fruit. As born again believers, let us commit to live out this culture boldly, so that those wandering in the darkness of sin might see the light their souls desperately longs for and be drawn to the Savior.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to be part of Your eternal nation—Your church. Forgive us for times when we’ve prioritized earthly loyalties over our heavenly calling. Stir our hearts to build Your church with lives transformed by Your Spirit. Help us to embody the Fruit of Your Spirit and speak words seasoned with grace, that we might be a beacon to those seeking salvation. Strengthen our local churches with committed members devoted to one another and to You. Help us to be distinct from the world’s culture and shine the light of Your presence everywhere we go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
