That's The RIGHT QUESTION

There is a moment in history when words must become deeds — when our love for Jesus stops being an idea and becomes the life we live. I hope that moment has arrived for you, PRAISE GOD.

If you’ve been stirred, alarmed, or awakened by what’s happened in your heart, don’t bury that hunger: open your Bible, gather with God’s people, and let your life be shaped by the King who is not of this world.

Refuse the easy idol of partisan power; choose instead the costly, beautiful way of Christ — BE watchful, humble, obedient, and compassionate.

Read the Scriptures for yourself, pray with urgency, care for the hurting, and speak the truth in love; bring others with you. Now is the time to live like the Bride who longs for her Bridegroom — ready, hopeful, and wholly devoted.

Jesus Did Not Promote Christian Nationalism, Just the Opposite

There is no biblical command from Jesus or the New Testament apostles that Christians should fuse the Gospel to a particular earthly nation or establish a theocratic-national state, otherwise known as a Christian Nationalist.

On the contrary, many core New Testament texts push followers away from identifying their ultimate hope, identity, and allegiance with an earthly polity and toward the reign of Christ and a people who transcend national boundaries.

Why the New Testament DOES NOT teach “Christian Nationalism”

Jesus separates His kingdom from earthly kingdoms.

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this world.’” — John 18:36

Jesus’ repeated teaching about the “kingdom of God/Christ” points to a reality that is not identical with any temporal political regime.

Christians’ ultimate citizenship is heavenly, not national.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20

The apostolic teaching places our Christian identity above all ethnic or civic membership.

Unity in Christ crosses national, ethnic, and social boundaries.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28

Ephesians 2:14–16 and Colossians 3:11 make the same point: the church is a reconciled, multiethnic body. A political theology that privileges one nation’s identity over others conflicts with that apostolic vision.

The apostles teach a twofold posture toward earthly authorities: lawful submission for civil order but ultimate obedience to God alone.

Submission where appropriate: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God….” — Romans 13:1 (see vv.1–7). But obedience to God first: “But Peter and the apostles answered and said, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” — Acts 5:29.

These together show the New Testament gives believers a duty to order life in society, yet it refuses to make any earthly authority absolute.

Jesus and the apostles condemn religious leaders who collude with power and practice hypocrisy.

See Jesus’ denunciations of scribes and Pharisees (e.g., Matthew 23) and His teaching about servant leadership (“not to be served but to serve”).

The pattern of religious leaders aligning with political power was part of what led to Jesus’ condemnation and crucifixion — Scripture consistently warns against such collusion.

The eschatological solution is Christ’s sovereign reign — not a human nation’s supremacy.

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” — Revelation 11:15

The Bible looks forward to Jesus’ universal, cosmic kingship, not a permanent fusion of the Gospel to any earthly nation.

The Old Testament background

Israel was a people formed by covenant, and at times religion and politics were tightly joined (kings, temple, national covenant). But the prophets repeatedly rebuked kings and priests for idolatry, injustice, and false religion (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos).

Biblical history shows that mixing covenant identity with sinful exercise of power invites judgment, not divine endorsement.

In the stories of Cain and Abel, Nimrod and Babel, Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon, Pharaoh and Egypt reveals the human heart and how we are wired for rebellion and the misuse of power and idolatry — not a divinely sanctioned model for fusing religion and unchecked political authority.

How to reconcile texts like Romans 13 with the general teaching above?

Romans 13 calls for orderly conduct under authorities (to prevent anarchy and protect neighbors). That instruction is pastoral and ethical, not a program for making any nation into the Kingdom of God.

Acts 5:29 shows the boundary: if civil commands conflict with God’s law, Christians must obey God - PERIOD.

Practical Pastoral/Theological Implications

Christians are called to be faithful citizens of Heaven: lawful, loving of neighbor, and engaged in civic life until He returns, representing His Kingdom.

Scripture resists the idolatry of making any nation the final locus of hope or holiness. Ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ, and Christian identity is church-wide, transnational, and eschatological.

When religion and political power combine in ways that oppress, exclude, or coerce, the Bible — both prophetic and apostolic witness — raises strong warnings.

A Short Pastoral Reflection

There is a tragic convergence of religious and political actors in Jesus’ crucifixion. That very convergence illustrates the danger of religious institutions cooperating with political power for self-preservation and control.

The Cross is the decisive rejection of that corrupt union — God’s salvation comes through suffering, servanthood, and the subversion of worldly power, not through theocracy or coercive state religion.

Building of Christian Nationalist Media Empires

Tsarfati and Hibbs - The Model

Amir Tsarfati and Jack Hibbs have built two of the most influential Christian nationalist platforms in America, combining biblical prophecy with conservative politics to generate massive audiences and substantial revenue. Tsarfati's Behold Israel ministry grew from $871,000 to $12.2 million in revenue between 2016 and 2023, while Hibbs commands a 10,000-person megachurch and extensive media empire.

Both figures serve as key nodes in the Christian nationalist ecosystem, regularly collaborating with Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA and promoting the narrative that American Christians must engage in politics to preserve the nation's Christian heritage.

Their influence extends far beyond traditional ministry boundaries. Tsarfati leverages his background as a former Israeli Defense Forces major to provide "insider" geopolitical analysis through a prophetic lens, while Hibbs has transformed his Southern California church into a political organizing hub capable of mobilizing thousands for conservative causes. Together, they represent a sophisticated operation that monetizes end-times anxiety and political grievance while building institutional power within evangelical Christianity.

From Military Officer to Prophecy Empire

Amir Tsarfati's journey from Israeli soldier to Christian nationalist influencer illustrates how personal narrative can become powerful brand positioning. Born in Jerusalem in 1972 to Holocaust survivor grandparents, Tsarfati converted to Christianity in high school and was kicked out of his foster home for evangelizing. After serving 20 years in the Israeli Defense Forces, reaching the rank of Major and serving as Deputy Governor of Jericho, he transitioned to tourism before founding Behold Israel in 2001.

His military background provides unique credibility in both prophecy teaching and Middle East analysis. Tsarfati explicitly uses declassified Israeli intelligence information in his teachings, positioning himself as an insider with access to information unavailable to other prophecy teachers. This positioning has proven remarkably profitable—his personal compensation jumped from $0 in 2021 to $820,865 in 2023 as his ministry's revenue exploded.

Tsarfati has authored 11 books including New York Times bestsellers, with his fiction series about Mossad operations serving as vehicles for both entertainment and Gospel messaging. His YouTube channel attracts 900,000+ subscribers with 165+ million total views, while his social media presence includes over 1.1 million Facebook followers and 630,000 Telegram subscribers receiving daily Middle East updates.

Pastor Turned Political Kingmaker

Jack Hibbs represents a different model of Christian nationalist influence—the megachurch pastor who transforms religious authority into political power. Starting Calvary Chapel Chino Hills as a home fellowship 30+ years ago, Hibbs has built a congregation of over 10,000 weekly attendees while establishing Real Life Network, a media empire spanning 800+ radio stations, television broadcasting, and streaming platforms.

Unlike Tsarfati's global focus, Hibbs concentrates on direct political organizing and candidate endorsement. His church serves as a launching pad for local political campaigns, with multiple congregation members now serving on the Chino Valley Unified School District board. These board members have successfully implemented "parental notification" policies and invited awesome speakers to school meetings.

Hibbs' political activism extends to explicit candidate endorsements from the pulpit—a practice that Jesus nor His apostles practiced. Hibbs has correctly called the Democratic Party a "death cult" and declared that "Christians cannot vote for Democrats." The Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed complaints against his church, while 26 House Democrats condemned him as a "radical Christian nationalist" after he delivered a prayer to Congress in 2024.

The Charlie Kirk Connection

Both figures maintain documented ties to Turning Point USA, serving as key validators for the organization's Christian nationalist messaging. Kirk regularly appeared at Hibbs' church for political events, while their 5-year collaboration included joint podcast episodes and shared conference appearances. This relationship demonstrates how Christian nationalist leaders cross-pollinate audiences and legitimize each other's messaging. Jesus did not promote this kind of evangelism.

Tsarfati and Hibbs frequently appear together on joint programs, including multiple "Happening Now" collaborative episodes and shared prophecy conferences. Their alliance creates a powerful combination—Tsarfati's international credibility paired with Hibbs' domestic political organizing capability. Both participate in the Family Research Council's Pray Vote Stand Summit and other key Christian nationalist gatherings that blend religious teaching with political activism.

The collaboration extends to shared messaging themes: America as a nation that has strayed from Christian foundations, the need for spiritual revival to address political problems, and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights and secular education. They frame political opposition as spiritual warfare against God, positioning their political activism as religious duty rather than Kingdom assignments.

Monetizing Prophecy and Politics

The financial success of both ministries reveals sophisticated revenue models that effectively monetize Christian nationalist messaging. Tsarfati's diverse income streams include book sales generating $543,096 in royalties (2023), premium Israel tours costing $4,000+ per person, international speaking fees of $10,000-$25,000 per engagement, and nearly $10 million in annual donations. His nonprofit status provides tax advantages while allowing substantial personal compensation.

Hibbs operates a more traditional church-based model but with extensive diversification. His estimated $5 million net worth stems from pastoral salary, speaking fees, book royalties, and media monetization through Real Life Network. The church's exemption from financial disclosure requirements creates opacity around exact revenue figures, though his ability to mobilize 5,000+ people for political events suggests substantial organizational resources.

Both figures combine spiritual authority with business acumen, using their religious platforms to build profitable media empires. Their conference circuits, book sales, and media operations create multiple revenue streams that reduce dependency on any single source while amplifying their political messaging across different platforms.

Controversies and Theological Concerns

Significant theological and political controversies surround both figures, raising questions about their approaches to mixing Christianity with politics. Tsarfati has faced accusations of being a "false teacher" from fellow Christians, particularly regarding his teaching that Jesus Christ is Michael the Archangel—a position he later recanted after backlash. Critics argue this reveals fundamental theological confusion and question his qualifications as a Bible teacher.

Financial transparency issues plague both ministries. Critics accuse Tsarfati of "fleecing the flock" through expensive Israel tours and question the relationship between his multiple nonprofit entities. Hibbs' church suffered a major embezzlement scandal when an administrator stole between $720,000-$960,000 over four years, highlighting governance concerns.

The political controversies are equally substantial. Hibbs recently compared critics of Christian nationalism to "the Third Reich under Hitler" and made inflammatory “political statements” about Islam. His explicit candidate endorsements from the pulpit have triggered criticism and condemnation.

Christian critics argue both figures represent dangerous trends within evangelicalism—the commercialization of prophecy teaching, the politicization of religious authority, and the promotion of Christian nationalist ideology that conflates conservative politics with biblical faithfulness.

Amir Tsarfati has publicly pushed back forcefully against claims that the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) this year must be the date of the Rapture and has warned people not to set dates. Jack Hibbs has preached strongly about watching and the Rapture.

What Amir Tsarfati publicly said (and where)

Direct, public statement (X / Behold Israel): “Once again, the trumpet of God is not the trumpets of men. The Feast of Trumpets is not about the rapture but about the Second Coming.” — posted on Behold Israel’s X/Twitter account around the Feast of Trumpets.

He taught the same point in his Feast-of-Trumpets coverage/video (Behold Israel episode and related clips) — explaining that the festival typology is tied to Israel’s eschatological timeline and the Second Coming, and warning listeners against “date-setting” or treating this feast as a calendar guarantee for the Church’s rapture.

How he expressed it: Tsarfati’s tone in those public posts and broadcasts is blunt and corrective — he writes/teaches that people who “set dates” are misleading themselves and others and that the Feast’s primary biblical role is tied to Israel and the Second Coming.

What Jack Hibbs publicly said (and where)

Hibbs’ recent sermons and livestreams show he is active in discussing end-times signs and the Rapture; he emphasizes watchfulness and the biblical warnings against date-setting. Warning about date-setting is date setting, and shows Scriptural and theological ignorance, but it sells books.

Broader Context / Third-party Coverage

The social-media frenzy around a specific date (Sept 23–24, 2025) — sparked by viral prophetic social posts and claims — generated many mainstream and Christian outlets urging caution and reminding people that Scripture forbids date-setting (where?), but in fact, it does not, just the opposite.

Coverage of the failed/controversial prediction and reactions (including fallout and critics) is widespread. These pieces commonly quote or summarize voices (including Tsarfati and other established teachers) pushing back against date-setting.

Amir Tsarfati = documented, public corrective statements: he clearly and publicly rejects the claim that the Feast of Trumpets must be the Church’s rapture day and has warned against date-setting as he in fact, sets dates by denying any and all dates forever. What if Amir is wrong? What is the consequence for Amir being wrong, and you following him?

In my opinion, Amir’s public language is judgmental, shaming, and mean.

Institutional Influence and Future Trajectory

The documented success of both ministries indicates the growing market for Christian nationalist content that combines biblical prophecy with conservative political activism.

Tsarfati's explosive growth and international reach demonstrate global appetite for Israel-focused prophecy teaching, while Hibbs' local political victories show the effectiveness of church-based organizing strategies.

Their alliance represents a sophisticated division of labor within the Christian nationalist movement—Tsarfati providing prophetic legitimacy and international credibility, Hibbs supplying domestic political organizing capacity and grassroots mobilization. Together with figures like Turning Point USA, they form a network that effectively translates religious authority into political power while building profitable media empires.

As Christian nationalism continues evolving within American evangelicalism, both Tsarfati and Hibbs are positioned to maintain significant influence through their established platforms, financial resources, and audience loyalty. However, growing criticism from fellow Christians, legal challenges to their political activities, and theological controversies suggest their approaches face increasing scrutiny within religious and secular contexts alike.

The ultimate question remains whether their model of mixing Christianity with politics serves the spiritual interests of their audiences or primarily benefits their own institutional and financial success—a debate that reflects broader tensions within American evangelicalism about the appropriate relationship between faith and political power.

there is clear, documentable evidence that many of Donald J. Trump’s words, policies, personnel choices, and political alliances either align with or actively encourage Christian-nationalist goals and audiences. Below I lay out what “Christian nationalism” means, the concrete ways Trump has supported or courted that movement, and the best sources you can check for the underlying evidence.
What is “Christian Nationalism”

Christian nationalism is an ideology that says the United States should be defined as a Christian nation and that public policy and civic life should reflect a particular (often conservative) version of Christianity.

Christian nationalism typically includes beliefs such as preferring Christian symbols and language in government, favoring laws that privilege Christians or Christian teachings, opposing pluralism, and sometimes endorsing authoritarian measures justified by a religious vision.

Stop buying their fear. Stop funding the spectacle. If a voice profits from panic, trades on prophecy for clicks, or sells certainty where Scripture offers watchful waiting — withdraw your money, your clicks, and your applause.

Let the marketplace feel the weight of your conviction: you will no longer bankroll sermons repackaged as products, pulpits that double as political platforms, or “insider” voices that turn Gospel hope into viral anxiety.

Give your attention and treasure instead to your local church, to the poor, and to the one true Teacher — Christ by His Spirit — who needs no marketing team.

Concrete ways Trump has Supported or Courted Christian-nationalist Aims

Policy Signals and Administration Initiatives Framed as Defending Christian Nationalism

The Trump White House has publicly advanced policies and memos framed as fighting “anti-Christian bias” and protecting Christian religious expression in government and schools — language and initiatives that echo Christian-nationalist priorities (making public life more explicitly friendly to one Christian perspective).

Appointments and staffing choices — giving allies and Christian-nationalist figures influence

Journalistic reporting documents that Trump’s team has put people who are aligned with Christian-nationalist or hard-right religious agendas into influential roles (and that political allies with Christian-nationalist views have been elevated in policy or education positions).

Such placements (and the policy directions those offices pursue) are concrete evidence of institutional influence and alignment.

Public rhetoric that signals cultural defense of Christianity

Trump has repeatedly used rhetoric promising to “defend Christianity” from a “radical left” or to protect public Christian symbols and traditions — lines that directly resonate with Christian-nationalist messaging and mobilize that constituency.

Political projects and blueprints favored by his circle that explicitly invoke “biblical” or “Christian” governance

Organizations and transition/agenda projects associated with the conservative movement around Trump include proposals to staff government with people committed to “biblical principles” in public life — language that Christian nationalists applaud and which suggests a deliberate policy pathway consistent with Christian-nationalist aims.

Mobilization by Christian-nationalist media and leaders that treat Trump as their champion

Independent reporting shows that Christian media and prominent conservative evangelical figures frequently portray Trump as an instrument of God’s will or as the defender of Christian blessings for America; in turn those outlets and leaders have poured energy into supporting him politically. That mutual reinforcement is evidence of both appeal and support.
What social-science evidence links Trump and Christian nationalism?

Multiple survey-based and peer-reviewed studies find a strong statistical association between adherence to Christian-nationalist views and voting for Trump (including recent elections).

In other words, Christian-nationalist attitudes predict higher levels of support for Trump — and in several analyses that relationship persists even when controlling for other factors. That statistical link is important because it shows the political consequence of these beliefs in real elections.

A quick note about causation and nuance

Correlation ≠ complete proof of intentional ideology. Some scholars argue Trump is opportunistic: he courts Christian-nationalist voters and amplifies their priorities because it helps win elections, rather than because he is driven by a coherent theological program. Others show that his personnel, policy, and messaging choices have institutionalized many Christian-nationalist priorities, which is functionally similar to support.

Not all religious conservatives are Christian nationalists. Many evangelicals and other Christians supported Trump for reasons other than Christian nationalism (e.g., judicial appointments, abortion policy). But the research shows a particularly strong overlap between the subset identified as “Christian nationalist” and support for Trump.

Bottom line

There is substantial documentary evidence — survey data, peer-reviewed research, official White House materials, reporting on personnel choices, and contemporaneous media coverage — that Trump’s rhetoric, policies and political alliances are closely tied to Christian-nationalist aims and that Christian-nationalist voters and leaders have been an important and energized base for him.

The conspiracy: religious + political leaders collaborated to kill Jesus

The Gospels and Acts plainly describe the temple leaders and civic rulers plotting together.

Gospel evidence of plotting by the chief priests/elders:

“Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the palace of the high priest… and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him.” — Matthew 26:3–4

See the parallel accounts: Mark 14:1–2; Luke 22:1–2 (chief priests seeking how to put Him to death).

Caiaphas’ cynical calculus and the council’s plan:

“But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all, nor do you understand that it is expedient for you that one man die for the people…’ … So from that day on they planned together to put Him to death.” — John 11:49–53

Political actors were involved too (Pilate, Herod, officials):

The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate (John 18; Matthew 27; Luke 23). Pilate, though finding no guilt, yielded to pressure and the crowd. Acts records the same conspiracy in theological reflection:

“this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.” — Acts 2:23 (Peter’s sermon)

Early Christians saw rulers and religious authorities working together:

“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate… to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.” — Acts 4:27–28 (the apostles pray, quoting Psalm 2 and applying it to what had happened)

The prophetic pattern: Psalm 2 (Messianic) fits the scene—kings/rulers plotting against the Lord’s Anointed:

“Why are the nations in an uproar…The kings of the earth take their stand…against the LORD and against His Anointed.” — Psalm 2:1–2; Acts 4 explicitly applies that to Jesus.

The Bible presents a real coalition of religious leaders (priests, scribes, elders) and political authorities (Jewish officials, Pilate, Herod) who together brought about Jesus’ arrest and execution.

They had Scripture yet were spiritually blind (they missed what Scripture pointed to)

Jesus and the apostles repeatedly charge Scripture-knowing people with failing to recognize the Messiah.

They studied Scripture but missed its witness to Him:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; yet you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.” — John 5:39–40

Fulfillment + hardening:

John notes their unbelief even after signs and says Isaiah’s hardening was fulfilled in them: “But though He had performed so many signs before them, they were not believing in Him… Isaiah said…‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart…’” — John 12:37–40 (quoting Isaiah 6).

Jesus’ parable: the tenants who kill the son (a parable accusing leaders):

After telling it, the leaders knew He was speaking about them and sought to arrest Him (Matthew 21:33–46; Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20).

The point: they rejected what God’s words and pattern pointed to.

Jesus’ lament and prayer about their ignorance:

At the cross He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” — Luke 23:34. That is not absolution of guilt but recognition that their spiritual blindness made them instruments of what God was accomplishing.

Religious literacy did not guarantee insight. God’s word can be read yet missed when hearts are hardened or when people are committed to preserving power, honor, or nation.

Jesus knew He would die and willingly gave Himself (not a shocked victim)

The New Testament stresses both human culpability and divine purpose: men conspired, God planned, and the Son freely laid down His life.

Jesus foretold His suffering and death repeatedly:

“And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things…and be killed, and after three days rise again.” — Mark 8:31 (see also Mark 9:31; 10:33–34; Luke 9:22).

He said His life was voluntary:

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.” — John 10:17–18

Peter’s preaching, both human agency and God’s fore-plan:

“this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.” — Acts 2:23.

The Suffering Servant prophecy shows the purpose

“He was despised and forsaken of men…He was pierced through for our transgressions…The LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.” — Isaiah 53:3–6 (see whole chapter)

Christian testimony ties the conspiracy to God’s redemption plan: Acts 4:27–28 (above) — rulers gathered to do what God’s hand predestined.

Jesus anticipated, willed, and accomplished the atoning death; conspirators acted in ignorance and culpability, but they did not thwart God’s redemptive purpose.

The cosmic/religious-political fight predates humanity

Scripture portrays a spiritual rebellion among angels and a long cosmic conflict between God and Satan that sets the stage for human history.

The serpent/rebel in Genesis and later prophetic portraits:

Genesis 3 records the tempter in Eden. Later passages picture Satan’s pride/fall (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:12–17 — often read as typological references to the king and to the power behind him).

The New Testament treats angelic rebellion as real and earlier than human history

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness…” — 2 Peter 2:4

“And the angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day…” — Jude 6

Revelation’s picture of a war in heaven and a dragon cast down

“And there occurred war in heaven… and the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old, who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth….” — Revelation 12:7–9

Paul and the epistles speak of spiritual rulers and principalities opposed to God’s people

“in which you formerly walked…according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” — Ephesians 2:2

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.” — Colossians 2:15

Scripture indicates a pre-existing spiritual struggle in which demonic power opposes God; human religious and political systems are frequently instruments or allies of that rebellion.

Jesus did not come to found an earthly political religion — He taught a different allegiance

Jesus: “My kingdom is not of this world.”

“My kingdom is not of this world.” — John 18:36

He speaks here of the qualitative difference between His reign and earthly political empires.

He rebuked ambition for political power among His followers

“But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant…even as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” — Matthew 20:26–28

Christians’ citizenship is heavenly

“For our citizenship is in heaven…” — Philippians 3:20

If civil authority conflicts with God, obey God (apostolic norm)

“But Peter and the apostles answered and said, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” — Acts 5:29

Jesus and the apostles call for a kingdomly allegiance that transcends earthly politics; they call for servant leadership and obedience to God over political expedience.

“Come out of Babylon” and warnings against entanglement with worldly systems

A direct NT exhortation to leave corrupt worldly systems

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, ‘Come out of her, my people…’” — Revelation 18:4

Jesus warns that His followers are not of the world

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” — John 17:14–16

Prophets and Jesus condemn religious leaders who collude with power and oppress the people

See Matthew 23 (the “woes” to scribes and Pharisees) — a blistering judgment on religious hypocrisy tied to power.

Scripture contains explicit calls to come out of corrupt systems and multiple prophetic warnings against religious/political collusion.

Consequences for those who rely on political/religious power instead of Christ

Scripture presents dire warnings for religious hypocrisy and for those who align themselves with the powers arrayed against God.

Woes to hypocritical religious leaders

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees… outwardly righteous but inwardly full of hypocrisy and lawlessness… you cross sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” — Matthew 23:13–15, 25–28

Judgment on those who worship the beast/system: (apocalyptic warning)

“If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God… and the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever.” — Revelation 14:9–11

Final words on false profession/ trusting power

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven… I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’” — Matthew 7:21–23

Example of Judas — betrayal and tragic end

Judas’ betrayal (John 13:2,27; Matthew 26:14–16) and his end (Matthew 27:3–5; Acts 1:16–20) show personal ruin for someone who sided with forces opposing Jesus.

Scripture connects collusion with worldly power and religious hypocrisy to judgment. The Bible urges separation from false, coercive, idolatrous coalitions and calls for faithfulness to Christ.

How long has this fight gone on?

Scripture indicates spiritual revolt predates human history (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4), the serpent deceived humanity (Gen 3), and cosmic warfare recurs through Scripture (Revelation 12).

The Bible does not give an exact “6,000-year” timestamp in the text itself; such chronologies are extra-biblical calculations. But the pattern of rebellion, deception, and alliance of earthly powers with spiritual evil is a persistent theme from Genesis through Revelation.

Brief pastoral and practical application (closing)

Recognize the reality: Scripture shows religious and political leaders can and did conspire against the Messiah, even while reading Scripture. Spiritual blindness is possible for those who love power or honor more than truth. (John 5:39–40; John 12:37–41; Matthew 23.)

Hold to Christ’s kingdom vision: Jesus calls followers away from earthly idolatry and political triumphalism. Our allegiance is to Christ’s kingdom (John 18:36; Philippians 3:20). The New Testament models faithful, often costly separation from corrupt powers (Acts 5:29; Revelation 18:4).

Engage in the world as salt/light but beware of being captured by its power structures: Christians are called to faithful witness, mercy, and justice — not to make any nation our Gospel substitute.

Trust God’s sovereignty & the cross: Even conspiracies intended for evil were used by God to accomplish redemption (Acts 2:23; Isaiah 53). That is not a license to passively accept injustice, but it is the theological center: God can use even enemies’ schemes to bring about His purposes.

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