First, the Bible itself does not mention flags or church decorations, so we must think through the reasoning for allowing or disallowing a particular flag in a church building. It would be strange to have an American flag in a church located in a country that is not America! But within the borders of America, an American flag would reasonably indicate patriotism—not worship or some kind of theocratic design that seeks revolution and replacement of the current order and leaders.
We are told to pray for our civil leaders and government is a gift of God which provides for basic peace and order on earth:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
So some human respect is warranted—if not by a flag, than at least by basic respect and living as a citizen obediently under the laws in force. We don’t have to like every act of government, but how we live bearing Christ’s name is a confession that matters to the Father and the world. Conversely, a flag’s mere presence does not undo subversive behavior that dishonors God’s authority in the civil realm.
Yet, it is not a sin to not have a flag, since it is not forbidden by God in Scripture. But support of government is a basic obligation, since all authority is from God ultimately (Rom. 13). It is definitely wrong to be an anarchist and seek to overthrow the government and assassinate leaders. I suspect that the Lutherans in America during the world wars speaking German for their services were under intense pressure and that led to many changes, such as the promotion of the flag. If it is seen as a free thing to God (neither required nor forbidden by God’s Word), and kept free in the preaching and teaching it may be introduced, gotten rid of, or kept—since external symbols do not deny or make the Word of God effective.
The meaning of a symbol is open to some interpretation. But we know that desecrating a flag is considered a serious act. Conversely, honoring it means something also, but these are not divine, inalienable meanings. The important thing is that whether a church has a flag or not, that the teaching of God regarding the nation and the Gospel be kept pure.
It is more difficult to honor the American flag today than it was before our government promoted and legalized homosexuality, abortion, and other godless acts. Are we supporting these things by having a flag? No, that is not an intrinsic meaning and these practices are recent in the history of the U.S. and not a part of it’s founding ideals. Yet, it could give the impression that a church having a flag supports everything the government does. The civil realm’s idea of freedom used to be more compatible with freedom in Christ from sin and hell—now it is more contradictory and sin is thrown in our faces and Christians possibly threatened with prosecution for not accepting sin. How bad does it have to get before a flag might be removed? It doesn’t have to be cast out, since living as a good citizen is never incompatible with Christian living, but any change (introducing or removing) would have to be in good order with patient instruction.
A missionary in China might be forced to have a Chinese flag, but Christians might feel a bit different towards it and its authoritarian, anti-Christian Communism, than towards traditional American patriotism. But it is harder to be proud of our country which is increasingly rebelling against God as a whole. Yet, we are still to pray for those in authority, pay taxes, and promote good order, even if they are not directly connected with Gospel evangelism or have anything to do with faith itself in God’s Son. So it cannot be wrong to display a flag with the right understanding and doctrine.
In summary, a flag is just a piece of colored fabric that will not make or break faith in Christ. Some make much or very little of it—due to their ideas and assumptions. Yet, for Christians it is the Word that stops us from thinking government and good order is bad. We don’t have to love our government in all respects, but we must respect its authority, since Christ instituted it. We can and should be thankful that Word of God is still allowed, even if that freedom seems endangered. But God’s kingdom is not threatened by the power of earthly governments when they do not exceed their God-given authority. Even under the most ungodly government and official persecution, Christ’s Gospel rules the believer to live in hope within Christ spiritually—no matter the flag of the country he resides in. So it is impossible to ever say a national flag is wrong and sinful—since Christ’s kingdom is not of this world and does not conflict with it, since it’s power is spiritual in the Word. Our doctrine of the two kingdoms allows us to make proper distinctions between the heavenly kingdom we have by faith and the temporary earthly kingdom we must inhabit and respect with our body. —ed.
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