This episode contrasts the essential characteristics of the kingdom of darkness with the kingdom of Christ, concluding that Christian nationalism is untenable. Those who make up the kingdom of darkness are dominated by the big 3, "the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life." (1 John 2:16) The characteristics of those participating in the kingdom of God are "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17) Presuming that Christians were in the majority (51%) and all advanced in sanctification (an absurdly optimistic assessment), how would a "Christian state" govern where the remaining 49% are still dominated and controlled by the flesh? Specifically Christian laws would be untenable. Interestingly, Peter did not call Christians who now made up a "holy nation" to make secular nations Christian. He virtually acknowledges that true Christians will always be in the minority, describing them as "aliens" coming from respective countries (1 Peter 1:1, 1 Peter 2:10-11). Their obligation is rather to abstain from fleshly lusts, the defining characteristics of those still in the kingdom of darkness. Is it possible that many who obsess over culture wars and making America a Christian nation are vicariously participating in a version of the "boastful pride of life," in which a Christian state rules over its secular enemies? Rule by compulsion through a Christian nation-state becomes a power grab more aimed at punishing secularists than at persuading people to be reconciled to Christ. And Christian nationalists shouldn't be surprised that their "enemies" in the culture war reject Christ, as they push their "boastful pride of life" agenda.
