Nationalism

A concern to preserve or proclaim the distinctive features of a nation or people.

The recognition of different national groups

Genesis 10:32 Genesis 10:32 is the summary conclusion of the table of nations which begins in Genesis 10:1. See also Genesis 17:4–6, Genesis 19:36–38; Exodus 3:8; 1 Kings 9:20 parallel 2 Chronicles 8:7

All these are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their generations and nations. From these the nations of the earth spread out after the flood.

Israel was to be a special nation set apart for God

The choosing of the nation of Israel

Exodus 19:5–6 See also Genesis 12:1–3; Exodus 33:13; Deuteronomy 7:6–8, Deuteronomy 14:2; 2 Samuel 7:23 parallel 1 Chronicles 17:21; Psalm 33:12; Romans 9:4–5

Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations — for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.”

The mission of Israel to the nations

Exodus 34:10 See also Deuteronomy 4:6

And the LORD said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will perform wonders that have never been done in any nation in all the world. All the people among whom you live will see the LORD’s work, for it is an awesome thing that I am doing with you.

Examples of nationalism

Positive examples

Ruth 1:16–17 See also Exodus 8:23, Exodus 34:24; Deuteronomy 26:5; Isaiah 10:6

But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Negative examples

Isaiah 1:4 See also Numbers 13:31–32, Numbers 24:14; 1 Kings 22:4; Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 14:1–2; Jeremiah 49:31; Ezekiel 36:5; Joel 1:6, Joel 3:2

Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

The people of God transcend all national boundaries

The church is God's holy nation

1 Peter 2:9–10 See also Ephesians 2:19

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

People of all nations are included

Matthew 8:11 See also Matthew 28:19; Acts 11:18, Acts 11:20–21; Revelation 5:9, Revelation 7:9, Revelation 14:6

I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

Christian unity is greater than nationalism

Galatians 3:26–29 See also Romans 9:6–8; Ephesians 2:11–13

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.