There is currently a lot of discussion about what it means to be British. Having for some decades endeavoured to re-define our national identity through membership of the EU, we are now withdrawing – and wondering, in this new era, who we are.

The definition of Britishness was already somewhat confused when we made the early alliances with other European countries in the 1960s in what was then the Common Market. Following this, we were gradually drawn into a tightening political and economic alliance. There was no clearly discernible voice at the time calling for the nation as a whole to recognise that ultimately this would become a union that would neutralise the Christian heritage of our nation.

Even now, when we are withdrawing from the alliance with Europe, discussion centres more on finance than faith. For most who voted to Leave, their motivation was political rather than spiritual.

There is Yet Time

Yet, if we were to ask God why He opened the door for this miraculous deliverance, which is on a par with the miracle of Dunkirk in the Second World War, we would understand that there are biblical principles that He would have us embed more deeply in our culture. He would cause us to look at our history and see where His hand has been at work on our behalf. He would help us to see where we have strayed, in every area of our society, and help us recover.

From now until the so-called ‘divorce’ with Europe is completed, we will hear constant analysis of the topic from our media channels. But we are unlikely to hear any deeper analysis of how a nation can become a nation under God again, through the last days. If we are to become such a nation, the time is urgent for Christians to consider this prayerfully on behalf of all, while there is yet time.

What would British identity be if we were a nation under God? The answer to that question must be a motivation for our prayers over the coming years.

Who Should Britain Be?

The injunction of Peter in 2 Peter 3 was addressed to disciples of Jesus, not to a nation as a whole. In reminding us of the coming Day of the Lord he asked, “what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…?” (verses 11-12, NKJV).

There may be a little time left for Britain to gather together and answer that question as a whole nation, but soon that opportunity will pass. Then it will be for Jesus’ disciples in our day, as in the day of the early Apostles, to be a community set apart waiting for the Lord’s coming.

So let us, with some urgency, while there is still opportunity, consider prayerfully what it might mean to be Britain under God in an increasingly apostate world, in a way that would please Him. Let us begin by praying for clarity and enabling over the next couple of years, at least.

Author: Clifford Denton