What is Christendom?
What is Christendom? A Biblical and Baptist Perspective
The term Christendom broadly refers to the collective body of individuals, communities, and nations that identify with or are historically influenced by the Christian faith. Christendom encompasses not only practicing Christians but also countries and regions where Christianity has historically played a central role in shaping culture, laws, and societal norms. To understand Christendom fully, we must distinguish between its cultural and institutional aspects and the true essence of Christianity as a faith centered on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Defining Christendom
In a historical sense, Christendom refers to regions where Christianity is the dominant cultural force or territorial religion. This includes countries historically shaped by Christian teachings and traditions, such as Europe, parts of the Americas, and regions of Africa. However, Christendom does not exclusively denote a unified Christian faith or practice. Rather, it encompasses a wide spectrum of individuals, churches, and institutions under the umbrella of Christianity. This includes those with genuine faith in Christ as well as those who merely align with Christian identity for cultural, political, or historical reasons.
Biblical Context for Christendom
The Bible does not use the term Christendom, but it does describe the idea of a visible and professing community of believers. For instance, Paul speaks of the "household of God" in Ephesians 2:19: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (NKJV). This household includes those who are part of the visible Christian community, although not all within Christendom may have genuine saving faith.
Jesus also acknowledged that not everyone who outwardly identifies with Him truly belongs to Him. In Matthew 7:21–23, He says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (NKJV).
Christendom vs. True Christianity
Cultural and Institutional Christendom
Cultural Christendom refers to regions or societies shaped by Christian influence, even when the population or leadership does not actively practice the faith. For example, Europe was once considered the heart of Christendom, as Christianity influenced its laws, morality, art, and governance. However, much of Europe today has largely abandoned biblical Christianity, replacing it with secular humanism and relativism. While these nations may still claim the Christian identity of Christendom, they no longer embrace the gospel's transformative power.
This phenomenon is not new. Paul warned of those who "have a form of godliness but deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5, NKJV). Many who outwardly align with Christendom may lack the inward regeneration that true Christianity requires.
Biblical Christianity
In contrast, biblical Christianity is not about cultural or national identity; it is about a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. True Christianity centers on the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners, was buried, and rose again on the third day, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: "For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (NKJV).
The essence of Christianity is summarized in Jesus' words in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (NKJV). Salvation comes not through cultural affiliation, religious rituals, or good works, but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9 declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (NKJV).
Challenges Within Christendom
Cultural Christianity Without Genuine Faith One of the significant challenges within Christendom is the prevalence of cultural Christianity, where individuals identify as Christians due to tradition or societal norms but lack a genuine relationship with Christ. James 2:26 warns, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (NKJV). True faith produces a transformed life marked by obedience to God and love for others (John 13:35).
Secularization of Formerly Christian Nations Many nations historically identified with Christendom have embraced secular humanism, materialism, and relativism, rejecting biblical authority. This shift reflects what Paul describes in Romans 1:21–22: "Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools" (NKJV).
Unity vs. Compromise Christendom often struggles with balancing unity among Christians with the temptation to compromise biblical truth. While unity is a biblical goal (Ephesians 4:3), it must never come at the expense of sound doctrine. Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (NKJV).
The Role of the Church in Christendom
The church's mission within Christendom is to proclaim the gospel, disciple believers, and be a light to the world. Matthew 5:14–16 reminds us of this calling: "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (NKJV).
The church must also differentiate between cultural Christianity and true faith in Christ. It is not enough for individuals to identify as Christians; they must be born again through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3–5).
Conclusion: Christendom and the Kingdom of God
While Christendom represents the visible and cultural aspects of Christianity, the kingdom of God represents the spiritual reality of Christ's rule in the hearts of His people. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36, NKJV), emphasizing that His reign transcends earthly boundaries and institutions.
Christendom may rise and fall, but the kingdom of God endures forever. Daniel 2:44 declares, "And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (NKJV).
Believers must prioritize their allegiance to Christ and His eternal kingdom, recognizing that true Christianity is not about cultural or institutional affiliation but about living as citizens of heaven, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Philippians 3:20).
