“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 NIV).“‘But our citizenship is in heaven’. This phrase emphasizes the believer’s true identity and allegiance. In the Roman world, citizenship was a prized status, granting rights and privileges. Philippi, a Roman colony, was populated by many Roman citizens who understood the value of this status. Paul uses this concept to remind believers that their ultimate allegiance is not to earthly kingdoms but to the heavenly kingdom. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in John 18:36, where He states His kingdom is not of this world. The idea of heavenly citizenship also connects to Hebrews 11:13-16, where the faithful are described as strangers and exiles on earth, seeking a better, heavenly country.”—Bible Hub Study Bible

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM IN THE UNITED STATES

“Christian nationalism asserts that the United States is a country founded by and for Christians.^[1] Christian nationalists in the United States advocate “a fusion of identitarian Christian identity and cultural conservatism with American civic belonging”.^[2]: 3–4 Most researchers have described Christian nationalism as “authoritarian” and “boundary-enforcing”, but recent research has focused on how libertarian, small-government ideology and neoliberal political economics have become part of the American Christian political identity.^[2]: 3–4

Religion studies scholar Julie Ingersoll writes that the movement is a complex amalgamation of a number of concepts and traditions, with a long-term focus on theocratic, authoritarian forms of government based on Christianity. Not strictly Protestant, the movement has also had a significant conservative Catholic contingent.^[3] Christian nationalism also overlaps with but is distinct from theonomy, with it being more populist in character. Theocratic Christians seek to have the Bible inform national laws and have religious leaders in positions of government; while in America, Christian nationalists view the country’s founding documents as “divinely inspired” and supernaturally revealed to Christian men to preference Christianity, and are willing to elect impious heads of state if they support right-wing causes.”—Wikipedia, “Christian Nationalism in the United States

ANALYSIS OF PHILIPPIANS 3:20

“But – The little conjunction signals a pivot from what the apostle has just warned about—earth-minded living (Philippians 3:18-19).

– Scripture often uses “but” to contrast darkness with light (Ephesians 2:4; Titus 3:3-5). Here it reminds us that, though some set their minds on earthly things, something dramatically different is true of believers.

our citizenship – Paul speaks to a Roman colony proud of its legal status (Acts 16:12). He says the believer’s truest identity is not Roman, nor any earthly nationality.

– Compare with Ephesians 2:19, “So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints.”

– This citizenship language highlights belonging, rights, and responsibilities—a call to live in step with heaven’s laws (Colossians 3:1-3).”

is in heaven – The verb “is” states a present fact, not a future hope. We already hold heavenly passports (Luke 10:20).

– Hebrews 12:22-24 describes believers as having “come to Mount Zion… the city of the living God.” Our home address has shifted.

– Because heaven is real and literal, its values must shape everyday choices: storing treasures above (Matthew 6:19-21) and refusing conformity to this world (Romans 12:2).”—Bible Hub

TRUE CHRISTIANS’ ALLEGIANCE IS TO GOD THROUGH CHRIST

Since a Christian’s primary “citizenship” is in heaven, not earth, Christian Nationalism does not seem to harmonize with Biblical Christianity.

Early Christians, at times, were said to be “all guilty of treason against Caesar, for they profess allegiance to another king, named Jesus” (Acts 17:7 NIV). 

“Let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance in his name” (Hebrews  13:15  NLT). Early Christians gave their “allegiance” to “God” and “Jesus”.

In one of the last books of the Bible written, notice to whom Christians should give their primary allegiance, according to the scriptures:

“His command is that we should give our allegiance to his Son Jesus Christ, and to love one another”—(1 John 3:23 REB

“You have given your allegiance to the Son of God; This letter is to assure you that you have eternal life”— 1 John 5:13 REB

Since a genuine Biblical Christian’s allegiance is given to God through Christ, Christian Nationalism violates this Bible principle.