"SALVATION BELONGS TO JEHOVAH"

Conclusion of "You Must Not Bow Down to Them"

Consider also the figure of a copper serpent that the prophet Moses made during the sojourn of the Israelites in the wilderness. That figure, or image, served as a symbol and had prophetic significance. (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14, 15) It was not adored or used for worship. Centuries after Moses' day, however, the Israelites improperly began worshiping that same image,even burning incense to it. Hence, Judean King Hezekiah had it crushed to pieces. -2 Kings 18:1-4.

Are national flags simply signs serving some utilitarian function? What do they symbolize? "Nationalism's chief symbol of faith and central object of worship is the flag," stated author J. Paul Williams. The Encyclopedia Americana says: "The flag, like the cross is sacred." The flag is the symbol of the State. Therefore, bowing down to it or saluting it is a religious ceremony that give reverence to the State. Such an act ascribes salvation to the State and doe not harmonize with what the Bible says about idolatry.

The Scriptures clearly state: "Salvation belongs to Jehovah." (Psalm 3:8) Salvation is not to be ascribed to human institution or their symbols. The apostle Paul admonished fellow Christians: "My beloved ones, flee from idolatry." (1 Corinthians 10:14) The early Christians did not participate in acts of worship of the State. In the book Those About to Die, Daniel P. Mannix observes: "Christians refused to . . .sacrifice to the [Roman] emperor's genius-roughly equivalent today to refusing to salute the flag." So it is with true Christians today. In order to render Jehovah exclusive devotion, they refrain from saluting the flag of any nation. By doing so, they put God first while maintaining respect for governments and their rulers. Indeed, they recognized their responsibility to be in subjection to the governmental "superior authorities." (Romans 13:1-7) What, though, is the Scriptural view of singing patriotic songs such as the national anthems?

Next time: What Are National Anthems?

Watchtower, 2002