A National Identity

A Bit of History…

Throughout human history, there have been countless peoples, tribes, empires, and nations who have risen and fallen. Also throughout human history, God’s hand in the causing of such peoples to rise and fall can sometimes be seen. There are single events that shape the course of history for hundreds of years.

Generally speaking, however, there are certain factors that will help a people become a strong nation with a strong national identity. These factors help a particular people define who they are and develop a uniqueness in the world and in history.

A New “Nation”

Jesus Christ came to redeem mankind, and in doing so created a completely new “nation” which was truly unique on this earth. This “holy nation” (1 Pet. 2:9, NASU), the body of Christ, is wondrous for many reasons. What makes this nation formed “without hands” (Dan. 2:34, 45) truly unique is that it does not conform to many of the factors that make nations great:

Common culture

While nations thrive by having a unique culture, the body of Christ transcends culture. There are citizens of this nation from diverse cultures in the world and in history. While nations create traditions, the body of Christ has an act of remembrance which, unlike an empty memorial, has significance each and every time it is observed.

Common language

Although some nations have thrived with multiple languages, this is uncommon. God understood the advantage to a common tongue which was cause for Him to confuse the languages of ancient man (Gen. 11). The body of Christ, however, has citizens from every language spoken by man – some languages long dead. The language a Christian speaks is not as important as the Word he or she chooses to follow.

Defined borders

An important definition of a nation is the ability to find it on a map. Having defined borders allows for a strong defense. However, one cannot find the body of Christ on any earthly map. The citizens of this nation transcend every border, including a border unseen by man: the border between this life and the next. The Christian’s King sits on a throne beyond any border of man.

Some nations and empires have stood for hundreds and thousands of years, aided by these factors and more. However, the body of Christ is beyond all such measures of man, and will continue to stand forever. When history is no more, what will really be the most important nation, and what makes her strong?