Allegiance to King Jesus

What does it mean to pledge allegiance—not to a nation, not to a flag, not to an ideology—but to King Jesus?

That’s not just a rhetorical question. It’s the central question every disciple must answer.

In the United States, allegiance often brings to mind patriotism and national pride. From childhood, we’re taught that loyalty to our country is a moral virtue. Many Christians assume that faith and patriotism naturally go together.

But the call to faith in the New Testament was never just about private belief. It was a public declaration of loyalty to a person—Jesus, the crucified and risen King.

When we see faith as allegiance, we gain a clearer sense of what it means to follow Him.

Allegiance Reordered

To pledge allegiance to Jesus means our ultimate loyalty belongs to Him alone.

It’s not about the words we say but about how we live. Allegiance to King Jesus reorders our priorities and reshapes our identity.

• It means trusting Jesus over political leaders, parties, or ideologies. 
• It means obeying His teachings, even when they clash with the values of the world around us. 
• It means living as citizens of heaven before citizens of any earthly nation. 
• It means choosing love, service, and sacrifice over power, control, and fear. 

True allegiance is both deeply personal and profoundly public. It’s declaring with our lives: Jesus is Lord—and there are no rivals.

A Different Kind of Power

Allegiance to King Jesus looks radically different from allegiance to worldly powers. Governments and empires rule through coercion, force, and law. But King Jesus reigns through love, sacrifice, and the Spirit’s transforming power.

In Salvation by Allegiance Alone, Matthew Bates argues that the Greek word for faith (pistis) is best understood as allegiance—loyalty to Jesus as King.

If that’s true, then we must ask: what kind of King is He?

Jesus is not a tyrant but a servant. In Mark 10:42–45, He told His disciples that earthly rulers “lord it over” their people, but He said, “Not so with you.” Greatness in His Kingdom is found in service. Even the King Himself came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Christian Anarchism embraces this Kingdom alternative. It rejects coercion and domination and instead chooses the power of the cross—where love and sacrifice define what true strength looks like.

A Kingdom of Unity

Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

In King Jesus, the dividing walls that society builds—ethnic, social, political, or gender-based—are torn down. Allegiance to Jesus unites us in ways no nation or ideology ever could.

The world thrives on division: us vs. them, powerful vs. powerless, winners vs. losers. But in God’s Kingdom, there are no second-class citizens—only brothers and sisters, equal at the foot of the cross.

That’s why Christian Anarchism insists that no state, class, or political label defines who we are. Only Jesus does.

Our identity isn’t “American Christian,” “conservative Christian,” or “progressive Christian.” It’s simply Christian—citizens of heaven and members of God’s holy people.

Allegiance Lived Out

Allegiance to Jesus isn’t abstract—it’s lived.

Jesus said that all obedience rests on love: love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). Allegiance to Him means living out that sacrificial love in tangible ways.

• Choosing service over status. 
• Building communities of belonging. 
• Rejecting violence and coercion as tools for change. 
• Living out justice, mercy, and humility—even when it costs us. 

To live this way is not to withdraw from the world but to bear witness to another kind of Kingdom—the one already breaking into our world through Jesus.

The True Allegiance

When Paul wrote Galatians 3:28, he wasn’t crafting a slogan. He was announcing a new reality. In King Jesus, the old hierarchies and divisions are finished.

That’s the heart of Christian Anarchism: not rebellion or chaos, but radical allegiance to the one true King.

It’s living so that our families, churches, and communities reflect the justice, peace, and love of God’s eternal Kingdom.

So the question remains: whose kingdom are you pledging allegiance to?

The nation’s? The world’s? Or King Jesus’?

Because only one allegiance leads to life, justice, and true freedom.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Why Didn’t God Create People Who Couldn’t Sin?

One of the common questions skeptics ask Christians is this: “If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, why didn’t He just create people who couldn’t sin?”

The usual Christian response points to free will—that true love requires the freedom to choose. Without choice, love would be coerced, not genuine. I agree with that answer, but I think there’s another angle worth considering.

Maybe the answer isn’t simply that God didn’t create people who couldn’t sin. Maybe the answer is that He is. God is in the process of creating a people who will be able to love Him fully and live free from the temptation of sin. Life itself is part of that process—God shaping us into the people He desires us to be.

If love must be chosen, then creatures capable of truly loving God must also be capable of rejecting Him. That’s what we see throughout the story of Scripture.

The first beings God created were the angels. They dwell in His very presence (Luke 1:19), yet even there sin entered in. Satan led a rebellion, and a third of the angels followed. Clearly, being close to God’s presence doesn’t automatically prevent sin.

Then God created people. Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden, enjoying direct fellowship with Him. Yet even in that ideal environment, they listened to Satan’s lies and chose rebellion. Experiencing God up close wasn’t enough to guarantee faithfulness.

The rest of the Bible is the story of God’s pursuit of a people wholly devoted to Him. Unlike the angels or Adam and Eve, these people live not by sight, but by faith. They trust God without seeing Him, love Him without walking beside Him, and obey Him without hearing His audible voice. This element of faith is essential—it is shaping us into people who will not sin.

Think about it: if God can raise up people who are loyal to Him now, while they cannot see Him, how much more will those same people remain loyal to Him when they do see His face? If they love Him now, how much more will they love Him then?

What we are experiencing now is not the final word. It’s a necessary step toward God’s ultimate goal: a world where His people live in perfect relationship with Him, free from sin and full of love.

These are just some thoughts I chased late one night, but the more I turned them over in my mind, the more it seemed to make sense of what God is doing. Maybe you’ve wrestled with the same question. If so, I hope this gives you something to reflect on.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Wrestling with Hebrews 10:26

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. — Hebrews 10:26 (NLT)

If you’ve ever stumbled across Hebrews 10:26, you might’ve felt a chill run down your spine. I know I have. It’s one of those verses that stops you in your tracks: “No longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins?” Does that mean salvation can slip through our fingers if we keep messing up?

A friend recently reached out, deeply worried that habitual sin might disqualify them from salvation. That concern is real and worth taking seriously. So, let’s walk through this verse together and explore the truth the author of Hebrews is driving at.

The Context: A Letter to the Pressured

First, a little context helps. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were feeling the heat—persecution, hardship, and social pressure were pushing them to abandon their faith in Jesus and return to the familiar safety of the Old Testament rituals. Throughout the letter, the author urges them to see Jesus as the superior high priest, whose once-for-all sacrifice surpasses the old system (Hebrews 10:10–14).

By the time we get to chapter 10, the tone is urgent yet hopeful: Hold fast to your faith. Don’t give up.

Then we hit verses 26–27:

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. (NLT)

Wow! That’s scary to think about.

A Hypothetical Gut Punch

But here’s what I think is going on: this isn’t about losing salvation every time we struggle with sin. It’s a warning—not a final verdict. A wake-up call, not a declaration of doom.

What do I mean by that?

Look at the flow of the chapter. In verses 23–25, the author encourages the believers to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,” to “stir up one another to love and good works,” and to keep meeting together. These are positive exhortations to persevere.

Then verse 26 introduces a sharp contrast: If you walk away from this—if you reject the truth after knowing it, if you sin willfully in the sense of turning your back on Jesus—what’s left? If you reject the only true sacrifice, there’s no other place to turn. No backup plan. No alternative Savior.

This isn’t about stumbling, struggling, or even falling into repeated sin. It’s about a deliberate, decisive rejection of the gospel after fully understanding it.

A helpful example comes from John 6:67–69:

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (NLT)

Even when the teaching was hard, the disciples stayed because they had experienced the life found only in Jesus. That’s the heart behind Hebrews 10:26—it’s urging us not to walk away from the only source of life.

Apostasy, Not Struggle

It’s worth noting that the Greek word for “deliberately” (hekousiōs) refers to a willful, persistent rejection. Think apostasy: someone who has truly tasted the truth and then says, “No thanks,” and walks away entirely. That’s different from someone fighting a habitual sin—whether it’s anger, lust, envy, or something else. For those struggles, the Bible promises grace and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about God keeping score until you’re disqualified. It’s about the seriousness of rejecting Jesus altogether. It’s asking, “If you walk away from Him, where else can you go?”

Reconciling with Grace

Seeing Hebrews 10:26 this way helps us keep it in harmony with the rest of the New Testament. Consider John 10:28–29, where Jesus says no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Or Romans 8:38–39, where Paul says nothing can separate us from God’s love. If Hebrews were saying salvation is lost every time we sin willfully, those promises would crumble.

But as a hypothetical warning, it fits. The message is: Don’t abandon Jesus—He’s the only way. Stay with Him.

To my friend concerned about their habitual sins, I’d say this: God isn’t waiting to pull the rug out from under you. Hebrews 10:26 isn’t about your daily struggles. It’s an encouragement to cling to Jesus when life gets hard and sin feels overwhelming. Keep fighting. Keep repenting. Keep relying on grace.

That’s what Hebrews 10 is really about.

Why It Matters

Hebrews is a letter of encouragement with a few sobering what-ifs. It’s for people like us—tempted to drift, prone to doubt, and in need of reminders to hold on. Verse 26 isn’t there to scare us into perfection. It’s there to show us what’s at stake if we walk away.

Jesus’ sacrifice is everything. There’s no Plan B—and there doesn’t need to be. He’s enough.

So, what do you think? Does this view of Hebrews 10:26 bring clarity or raise more questions? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them below or send me a message. Let’s keep wrestling with this together.

Are You Ready for the Journey?

We’re all on a quest—not just to exist, but to find life that matters. That’s why books, podcasts, and influencers promising purpose or fulfillment still capture our attention. Deep down, we crave something more than fleeting success or comfort.

The truth? 

True life comes from one source: God, the Creator of all things. Without anchoring our journey in Him, we’ll chase dead ends—wealth, status, or even spiritual highs. Real life is found in becoming who God created us to be.

Ephesians 2:10 says it clearly:

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. (CSB)

Life is walking the path God created you to walk.

The book of James hints at this journey. Written to Jesus-followers scattered and tested, James is a raw, practical guide for people like us—striving to live out God’s call in a messy world. 

James starts with a gritty reality check:

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings. (James 1:1; CSB)

Biblical scholar J.A. Motyer explains this beautifully:

“The twelve tribes place the church firmly within the pressures and persecutions of this life… Their homeland is elsewhere, and they have not yet arrived. Their lot is to face life’s pressures, the pull of temptation, and a constant nudge to conform to the world’s standards… They are the Lord’s people, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb—but not yet home.” (The Message of James, p. 24-25)

Sound familiar? We’re pilgrims too—redeemed, but not home. Our journey isn’t about chasing success or ease. The life of a disciple is about faithful endurance in a world that lures us off course.

Living in a place like the United States our main obstacle is not persecution: facing imprisonment or violence for our faith. But our challenge is still real: the slow drift of compromise. Too often, the church mirrors the culture—battling the same rates of broken relationships, materialism, or addiction to screens and status. 

We settle for the world’s values instead of applying God’s truth.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith isn’t glamorous. A faithful life is often lived in obscurity, marked by sacrifice and a stubborn refusal to quit. Following Jesus isn’t about “thriving” by worldly standards. It’s about trusting Him through the wilderness, with all its trials and troubles.

The journey of discipleship starts when we surrender to Jesus. It ends in the joy of eternity. But the middle of journey? It’s a rugged road that tests our faith.

James offers a roadmap—not for an easy life, but for endurance, wisdom, and growth. It’s a call to choose the pilgrim path, even when it’s hard.

Kept for Christ: Contend for the Faith

 Are you ready to defend what matters most?

In April 2022, Jacob Kingsley was enjoying a Cincinnati Reds game with his wife and their 11-month-old son, Shepherd. Shepherd was strapped to Jacob’s chest, happily sipping from his bottle. As they sat near the field, Jacob’s wife nervously asked, “Are you watching for foul balls?” Confidently, Jacob replied, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Moments later, a foul ball came screaming their way. With one hand still holding Shepherd’s bottle, Jacob snatched the ball out of the air with the other. The crowd erupted. Social media dubbed him a legend. Shepherd? He didn’t even flinch—he just kept drinking. Jacob was ready. He knew his role, and he acted quickly to protect what mattered most.

That’s the image we need as we step into the book of Jude.

In a time of subtle deception and creeping compromise, Christians are called to a similar kind of readiness—not just to passively believe the Gospel, but to actively protect and preserve it. Jude’s urgent letter calls us to stay alert, rooted in King Jesus, and ready to defend the faith when it’s under threat.

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A Timely Warning for Today’s Church

Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus, originally set out to write a letter celebrating the joy of salvation. But a greater need arose—false teachers had quietly slipped into the church, twisting God’s grace and undermining the authority of Jesus. Instead of encouragement, Jude had to write a warning.

And here’s the striking part: The threat was not from the outside world—but from within.

This is a sobering reminder. We often fixate on cultural opposition, but the most dangerous distortions of the Gospel arise inside the Church. That’s why Jude’s message is just as urgent today as it was in the first century.

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Three Truths to Help Us Defend the Faith

Jude 1:1–4 gives us three essential truths for defending the faith.

1. Know Who You Are (vv. 1–2)

Identity comes before action. Jude introduces himself with humility—not as the brother of Jesus, but as His servant. He writes to believers who are:

• Called by God – not because of their initiative, but because of God’s grace.

• Loved by the Father – their value doesn’t come from performance, but from His covenant love.

• Kept for Jesus – protected and preserved by God for His Kingdom.

If we truly know who we are—citizens of God’s Kingdom—then we’ll be motivated to defend what truly matters. We are not just spectators in the faith; we are participants in God’s mission.

2. Understand the Urgency (v. 3)

Jude had hoped to write a joyful letter, but instead, he felt compelled to issue a warning. The truth of the Gospel—the once-for-all message about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection—was under attack.

Defending the faith isn’t just about correcting error. It’s about living faithfully. Our lives must reflect the truth of the Gospel. If we don’t stand firm in it, others may be misled and miss the Kingdom.

This “faith” is not merely personal opinion—it’s the shared, unchanging truth handed down from Jesus to the apostles, and to us through Scripture. That’s why we must defend it with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

3. Recognize the Threat (v. 4)

Jude says ungodly people had wormed their way into the church. They weren’t easily noticed because they used familiar language. But they twisted God’s grace into permission for sin, and they denied the authority of Jesus—even while speaking about Him.

We must be discerning. Many false teachings sound spiritual, quote Scripture, and appear biblical—but they deny God’s holiness, excuse sin, and make the Gospel about us rather than King Jesus.

As one preacher once said, “The most dangerous teaching often uses the most Scripture—but never explains it.” If we aren’t deeply familiar with the true Gospel, we’ll fall for clever counterfeits.

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The Call to Courage

Just like Jacob Kingsley reached out to protect his son with speed and precision, we are called to protect the Gospel—not with fear or aggression, but with a deep love for the truth and for others.

Ask yourself:

• Do I know the core truths of the faith well enough to live them?

• Am I grounded in Scripture so I can recognize error?

• Where am I tempted to misuse grace or soften the truth?

Let’s be clear: defending the faith isn’t just for pastors and theologians. It’s for all of us who have been called, loved, and kept by Christ. We are part of God’s defense line in this generation.

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Final Challenge

Pray that God would raise up faithful defenders of the faith—men and women who live with courage, clarity, and compassion. Commit yourself to faithfully following Jesus, not just in belief, but in practice.

The urgency that compelled Jude to write still rings true today. There are people in the Church—today—who twist Scripture for personal gain and lead others astray. Be alert. Stay rooted in the truth. Live the Gospel.

Know the truth. Live the truth. Defend the faith.

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Prayer Response:

• Thank God for the Gospel and the faith you have because of it.

• Ask God to strengthen your understanding and resolve.

• Commit to faithfully following Jesus and standing for His truth.

Let’s not merely be church attenders or students of Scripture. Let’s be guardians of the faith—ready to act, bold in love, and unshakably grounded in King Jesus.

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“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else…”

— Jude 1:3, NLT

Let’s take Jude’s words seriously. We are saved, yes—but we are also kept for Christ and called to contend for the faith.

Stay alert. Stay rooted. Stay ready.