Dear David (RE: Whether the UK is a Christian nation)

Dear David,

Thanks very much for putting Christianity back on the front pages of the papers by claiming, as our Prime Minister, that this is a Christian nation. I notice that you’ve been getting some flak from people who don’t think this is, or should be, a Christian country.

And the thing is, David, that they’re right.

This isn’t a Christian nation. And it never has been. There’s no such thing as a Christian state, with borders and land and law enforcement and so on. There was once a nation that collected all God’s people into one place, with civic laws and a penal code and so on. It was called Israel, and it existed until Christ came, and explained that his kingdom is not of this world, recognizes no borders, and whose only land in this world right now is the hearts and bodies of his subjects, what he called 'his church' (that's not the same thing as the Church of England, David, though part of that denomination's membership are included in it). It’s only because Christ came and turned the centrifugal force of Old Testament Israel into the centripetal force of the New Testament church that our nation has any of his people living in it at all. While Israel was to be a light to the nations, now the church is to be the light in the nations.

So it’s great that you appreciate the outward blessings that having Christ’s people living in the country you govern. I’m glad you’ve noticed that when someone submits to Christ as their King, they learn to treat others as Christ would. I’d be even more excited if we began to see evidence in your words and life that you’d understood that the centre of the Christian life is not what you do for others, but who you know as your Lord and Saviour.

But while we should be grateful that Christ’s word has influenced this country, and pray that it would continue to do so, let’s not think that the UK is or could ever be, or be part of, Christ’s kingdom. His people on earth are called the church. And his throne is in heaven.

Which reminds me—this isn’t a Christian nation, but it IS nevertheless Christ’s nation. It doesn’t belong to you, and you aren’t its ruler. Every square inch of it belongs to Jesus. After all, he made it. One day, once he’s returned to rule this world in person, everything about this nation will happen according to his perfect laws; everyone living on this island after he returns will praise and love him for who he is. I have no idea what he’ll call this area of his world, but it will (for the first time) truly be United under its perfect King, and truly be Great.

Since that’s where we’re heading, I’d really encourage you, David, to get to grips with whether Jesus is your Lord and Saviour. Not so much whether he provides you with comfort (though he can, and does, and will) but whether he has provided you with salvation. And since that’s where we’re heading, I’d really encourage you to line up your policies with Christ’s will. There’ve been a few things you’ve done, recently, that have suggested that winning a vote is more important to you than pleasing your Creator. Of course, there are some areas of public policy where it’s not quite clear what Christ would do, and would want you to do. But when it is clear—when we’re considering protecting vulnerable unborn children, or sexual ethics—perhaps next time you’re formulating a policy, you would let yourself be guided by Jesus’ words.

This won’t be a Christian nation till Christ returns. But wouldn’t it be great if you were remembered as a Prime Minister who governed under Christ, and cared more about his good opinion than the country’s, till he returns.

I’d be happy to go for a pint and discuss this further sometime, though I guess your diary’s a little fuller than mine.

Carl