The Pledge to the Christian Flag
The Pledge to the Christian Flag or Christian Pledge of Allegiance is similar to other pledges in that it is intended to encourage devotion in those who recite it. While pledges to countries like the United States (or any other country) will encourage faithfulness and loyalty (allegiance) to the particular country, the Pledge to the Christian Flag calls for believers to be devoted and faithful to Jesus and His people, the New Testament Church. Obviously, The Pledge to the Christian Flag is not something you will find in the Bible. It was created around 1907 by Charles Overton and Ralph Diffendorfer so it’s relatively new in church history. Still it has had a significant impact on many Christians, especially children, since its creation.
The Pledge to the Christian Flag
There are variations of the pledge to be found because different groups and churches will often wish to emphasize different aspects of the Christian faith according to their own particular tradition. One of the most common versions of the Christian pledge is below. You can also download a PDF of the Christian pledge (see the image to the right) if you wish to display the pledge somewhere.
I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag
And to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands,
One brotherhood uniting all Christians
In service and love.
Even though the pledge may have unique variations from group to group, as a rule it stands as a simple means of calling for devotion to Jesus from all Christians. Many Christians learned the pledge while attending Vacation Bible School or a similar Bible program at their church and many churches still teach the pledge to their children. The above display page can be helpful in teaching kids the pledge.
The Christian Flag
Obviously, the pledge is associated with the Christian flag, which has its own symbolism. Most agree that the red cross symbolizes the blood of Christ shed on the cross for the redemption of those who will trust him.
The blue background behind the cross symbolizes baptism and our identification with Jesus through baptism as well as the new heaven and new earth promised in many places like Revelation 21:1.
The white of the flag symbolizes the purity of Christ, our Savior, as well as the call to purity Christ has placed on all those who follow him. We are not saved by our good works, but our devotion to Jesus should bear fruit in a lifestyle that reflects His own character and purity.
Because the flag and pledge are not “owned” by any individual or group, it is subject to numerous interpretations and versions. Still, it serves as a unifying symbol for all those who claim the person and work of Jesus Christ, not just kids.
It would be difficult to estimate the number of children who have grown up reciting the pledge and expressing their devotion to Jesus through the pledge in church, Sunday School, or Vacation Bible School (VBS). Young or old, its words still have the power to unite all of God’s people through allegiance to our eternal Savior.
Other Resources Related to The Pledge to the Christian Flag
You can find other activities related to the Christian flag and pledge of allegiance on Sunday School Zone that you can use to teach the pledge to kids. For example, there’s a Christian Pledge of Allegiance Word Search (pictured to the right) as well as a coloring page, book marks, and more. Teaching The Pledge to the Christian Flag is a meaningful and fun way to encourage devotion to Jesus in your kids!
Rick Edwards
Author, Speaker, Bible Teacher
See a list of other articles by Rick Edwards.
