Our Christian Flag

“That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.”

Numbers 15:40

When the Australian colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901, the British flag had been the official flag for more than a hundred years. The birth of a new nation created the opportunity to develop an emblem that represented Australia alone, and an official competition for a design attracted 32,823 entries. Five of these, containing almost identical designs, were placed equal first, and — apart from later changes in the sizes of the stars — these joint winners produced the present Australian flag.

The flag symbolises Australia’s historical links with Britain (represented by the Union Jack) and Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere (represented by the stars of the Southern Cross). But where does God fit in the making of Australia’s flag?

The composition of our flag

The Australian flag is made up of several pieces — but most of us have never considered their spiritual significance.

The Ancient Hebrew flag, representing the throne of King David, was the flag of England from the time of the Romans right up until 1601, and was used by the Crusaders. The flags of Scotland and Wales were added in 1606 — the same year that Captain Janszoon in the Duyfken mapped 300 miles of the Queensland coastline, and Captain Ferdinand de Quirós claimed this southern region for Jesus Christ as the “Southland of the Holy Spirit.” The flag of Ireland was added in 1801.

• The stars on the Australian flag represent the Southern Cross — our geographic location and Federation.
• Five of the six stars have seven points. Scripturally, the number seven means perfection.

The colours

• The three colours of red, white and blue on the Australian flag were used in the Tabernacle for the curtains, according to God’s specifications.
• The white linen represents the white robes of righteousness, given by the Lord to His people.
• Red signifies the blood covenant fulfilled by Jesus Christ.
• Blue is the national colour of ancient Israel, and of God’s right to rule over mankind.

For more information, read Numbers 15:36–41.

God’s signature on our flag

The Lord said: “I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last.” These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In the Ancient Hebrew, the first letter of the alphabet was Aleph (×) and the last letter was Tau (+). When placed upon each other, you have the Union Jack. The three crosses also signify the three covenants — of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ — that God made with Israel.

What a wonderful fulfilment that a flag consisting of such symbols would be displayed in these latter days, before His return, as a reminder of His covenant with His people. Whether or not the people embrace Him or reject Him, our heritage is God-given, and our flag is the history of God’s plan for us.

Sir Henry Parkes, the Father of Federation, wrote:

“Fling out the flag, and guard it well! Our pleasant fields the foe ne’er trod; Long may our guardian heroes dwell In league with truth — in camp with God!”

Source: The Meaning of Our Australian Flag by Rev. Dr Jeffry David Camm JP.