Another Hyphen that Won’t Save
One of the stalwart teachings of churches of Christ is that we do not need to be anything more than simply a Christian. We do not wear additional names, and we strive to not add additional practices or doctrines to the revealed will of God in Scripture.
Since there is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4) and since Christ’s name is the only one given for salvation (Acts 4:12), there is no need for what is sometimes called “hyphenated Christianity.” In other words, we don’t have to be a Methodist-Christian, or a Baptist-Christian, or a Presbyterian-Christian (and on and on it goes). We simply need to wear the name “Christian,” and do so faithfully.
That fact is clear from Scripture, and I am grateful for my brothers who teach that so powerfully.
However, I want you to consider that there is another hyphenated name that won’t save you, either. We will not get into heaven just because we can add this title to the front of our Christianity, and it will not give us some advantage over anyone else on Judgment Day.
What is it?
American-Christian.
Yes, I am thankful to be an America. I pray for our country often, and desire what is best for her. I want us to remain strong, and to be a shining light once again.
But where I live on this earth does not decide my eternal citizenship. “Patriotism” is not a requirement for salvation. Waving the flag does not guarantee that I am carrying the banner of the cross.
Be thankful for your earthly homeland and pray for her often. But never allow patriotism to cloud your better judgment, and never assume that, just because you are an American, you are a Christian.
Remove the hyphen.
QUESTION: Why do we equate patriotism with faithfulness to God?
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Photo credit: kzys on Creative Commons
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3 Comments
Tim Archer
Adam, I’d add the fact that we need to focus on praying for ALL nations. I hear many prayers for our country, but that’s not what the Bible tells us to do. We’re to pray for all men everywhere, all leaders of all nations.
Thanks for an excellent reminder!
Frederick
The earliest Christians confessed “Jesus is Lord.” This had not only spiritual dimensions, but political ones. To say Jesus was “Lord” implied that he was the true King and Sovereign of everything. Citizens of the Roman Empire would have heard it thus: “Jesus is Lord, and Caesar is not,” a counter-cultural and subversive statement for that day and age. The lordship of Jesus Christ should take precedence over everything else in our lives including our national identities. We pledge our true “allegiance” to God’s Kingdom. I fear that in American Christianity we have enmeshed the two. But Jesus’ victory at the cross triumphs over all other “powers and principalities” (Col. 2:15), even the ones we may love and cherish.
John
That is a good article, Adam. Many confuse the flag and the cross.