25 Patriotic Bible Verses To Celebrate Veteran’s Day
For many patriotic Christians, “In God We Trust” isn’t just a quaint saying on a piece of money. It speaks to a way of life that deeply honors God, country, and the military. This looks like enjoying the freedom given by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
On this Veteran’s Day, let’s honor the men and women who have fought and defended our country. Here are 23 patriotic Bible verses that may ring a bit sweeter or sadder on this day of remembrance, depending on your perspective.
May we never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and continue to honor those who are with us today.
1. John 8:32
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:32
In Christianity, “the truth” is the Gospel or good news about Jesus Christ. Knowing and believing the truth that Jesus died on the cross and saved us from our sins will set us free from sin and hell.
2. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36
Jesus has the ultimate authority to set us free. Just as a liberated city or country enjoys new freedom and protection from its captors, Jesus truly frees us from the curse of sin and we are free indeed.
3. Romans 6:6-7
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” — Romans 6:6-7
According to this verse, our sinful way of life can never lead to freedom. Jesus wants us to symbolically die to our old ways of selfish behavior and choose to submit to Him in humble obedience. Only then can we be set free from the bondage of sin.
4. Romans 8:1-2
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” — Romans 8:1-2
During the time this verse was written, a lot of new Christians were struggling to let go of the strict Jewish laws that had governed their lives before Jesus. The author, Paul, is telling these Roman Christians that only the “law of the Spirit” (Jesus) can truly set them free from their sin. No more legalistic rules or animal sacrifices, just a heart that wants to grow closer to God.
5. Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” — Romans 13:1
Regardless of your political view, the Bible is very clear about one thing – the rulers in authority have been established by God. He isn’t stressed during election time, wondering who will win. Rather, all nations and kingdoms are in His control and He is ruling over all. We should be slow to speak disrespectfully of our national leaders and quick to pray for wisdom and discernment in their positions.
6. 1 Corinthians 9:19
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” — 1 Corinthians 9:19
During Bible times, “slaves” were indentured servants who could earn their freedom. When Paul was writing these verses, he was simply saying that although he was a free man, he chose to put others above himself and win as many people to the Christian faith as possible.
7. 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17
This freedom doesn’t look like doing whatever you want. Rather, freedom in Christ (or the Spirit of the Lord) means living in God’s will and doing what He wants. His freedom means joy and peace while we live in God’s goodness.
8. Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
This encouraging verse reminds us that if we have accepted Christ and he rules in our hearts, we are truly free. We do not need to fall back into our sinful ways and be burdened by the “yoke of slavery” or sin. Jesus’ death on the cross has paid for our sins once and for all!
9. Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” — Galatians 5:13
Many people think freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want. And that might be true in some cases, but not with Christianity. God’s call for Christians is to use their faith to serve and love others as Christ does. Not to use freedom from sin as an excuse to sin more.
10. Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 3:20
While we may live in one of the greatest countries in the world, our true citizenship is in heaven. We must remember that our government is not our savior. We can honor God in the way we love our country, but we must put God first.
11. James 1:25
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” — James 1:25
This verse is a wonderful promise for those who are new in their faith. God promises that you will be blessed if you persevere and remember the freedom that Christ has given us. Do not be tied down by legalistic rules; just focus on Christ.
12. 1 Peter 2:16
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” — 1 Peter 2:16
Unfortunately, Christians are often seen behaving in a way that is not loving towards others. God does not turn a blind eye to this but rather warns Christians that they should not use their faith as a cover-up to do evil. God will not honor their faith and He does not want evil done under the guise of Christianity.
13. Exodus 19:5-6
“‘Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” — Exodus 19:5-6
The people of Israel (one of the patriarchs in the Bible) were called Israelites. The words from these verses were spoken to the people after leaving Egypt as slaves under a harsh and cruel Pharaoh. The excitement of freedom and protection from God as a “treasured possession” would have been overwhelming!
14. 2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14
We can always pray this verse to remind ourselves that God will heal our land and forgive our sins. He wants people, governments, nations, and countries to submit to Him and follow His will. All we have to do is repent and turn from our sinful ways.
15. Psalm 9:17
“The wicked go down to the realm of the dead, all the nations that forget God.” — Psalm 9:17
This a sobering reminder for those who forget God, meaning, disregard or reject Him. “The realm of the dead” being a metaphor for hell, is not a place where we want to spend eternity.
16. Psalm 22:27-8
“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” — Psalm 22:27-8
God is sovereign. He is in control of our country and it belongs to Him. When we choose a patriotic Christianity, we “pledge allegiance” to Jesus first, and the flag second. God can and will use our country for His good. We can trust God to be the best ruler of all.
17. Psalm 33:12
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” — Psalm 33:12
Whether in peace or war, prosperity or hardship, if God is at the center of a nation, they will be blessed. His promises only work when we hold up our end of the deal.
18. Psalm 118:5
“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.” — Psalm 118:5
One of the benefits of living in the United States is the vast number of national parks. We can use nature as a refuge to seek God and be alone with Him. What a blessing!
19. Psalm 119:45
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” — Psalm 119:45
Precepts are just a fancy word for rules or laws. When we submit our lives to God’s rules, we live in freedom – we are not constantly fighting against God and living in frustration and guilt. Freedom can feel like peace, joy, and contentment when you follow Christ.
20. Isaiah 2:4
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” — Isaiah 2:4
This verse is a perfect example of how God can change the heart of a nation. What once was a land of war and strife can become a land of peace and prosperity. God judges between the nations and everything is under His control.
21. Isaiah 60:12
“For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined.” — Isaiah 60:12
The prophet Isaiah saw nations ruined firsthand while writing this verse. As the nation of Israel continued to live in sin and worship idols, God promised that they would be captured and sent away. He also promised that He would restore them and forgive the people of their sins. We can use the example from Isaiah as a reminder to continue to pray for our leaders and nation.
22. Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” — Isaiah 61:1
Perhaps it is only when in captivity that freedom sounds so sweet. This verse is actually one that Jesus himself read while teaching in the temple. It served as a beginning or inauguration to His earthly ministry. These are beautiful words from Jesus that were not only a promise for the people in His day, but for us today as well.
23. Ezekiel 38:23
“And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” — Ezekiel 38:23
As nations rise and fall, time stretches on, and one thing remains, God. He makes Himself known through the nations by whether they choose to serve Him or not. Being a patriotic Christian means you love your country, but you recognize that God is sovereign and He is Lord over all.
12 Encouraging Bible Verses To Know by Heart
Want even more encouragement?
We all experience times of discouragement, exhaustion, and uncertainty. And in the hard times (and the good!), the best thing we can do is to remind ourselves of God’s goodness using the power of His words.
12 Encouraging Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know by Heart.
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While our nation may enjoy relative freedom from oppression, how many of us still desperately need freedom from the baggage we’ve been carrying around? Baggage we can’t seem to get rid of no matter how hard we try?
Maybe it’s persistent anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness. Maybe it’s a sin or bad habit you just can’t seem to shake. Maybe you’re struggling with worry, sexual sin, comparison, or a judgmental attitude. Maybe you’re hurt, scared, or insecure and it’s causing you to behave in ways you know you shouldn’t.
In Christ, you can find true freedom.
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Wish you could hear God speaking to you? You can!
Here are six step-by-step tips you can use today to help you hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you loudly and clearly.
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10 Bible Verses About Trusting God in Difficult Times
When you’re going through trials and suffering, Scripture verses about trusting God in difficult times can be such a comfort. The Bible’s whole narrative is about humanity’s journey in trusting their Creator.
Meditate on and pray through these verses about trusting God in difficult times when you need a reminder about the big picture: God’s story, what He’s doing in the world, His boundless grace and mercy, and how much you matter to Him.
