The World After America:Coming Soon? Part I

Although theologically, I hold to a positive, postmillennial (Jesus returns after the millennium) view of the future, I have become a short-term pessimist in regard to America’s near future. In the past, it seemed unthinkable to me that God could have a plan without America being the star player. After all, we are a “Christian nation” or at least we used to be. It didn’t even enter my mind that the world’s greatest Christian experiment could end in failure. Well, I’ve changed my mind and my thinking.I pray for America. I lose sleep over America. I love this country and it rips my heart out to see her die a slow but sure death.

There are times when I just want to run because if one believes the Bible, God’s judgment must surely come soon. It may already be in progress.

How did I get to where I am today? What has changed my thinking and why am I so sure that I am right?

First and foremost, I know that regardless of the events that unfold God is in control. I know it is never too late with God. So, it is possible that He may do something I can’t anticipate. At the same time, God’s Word is true and reliable. In His Word, God reveals certain spiritual principles (laws) that have held true over man’s entire history. Certain things trigger judgment. When nations cross over God’s line, judgment occurs. I think we have already sinned far more than enough to trigger that judgment.

The only Biblical precedent that may offer us hope is that God may put off judgment based on our national repentance, if that should occur in time. But even then God would only postpone judgment, not waive it. He never simply winks at sin. Cases in point: Nineveh when God temporarily postponed judgment after the city repented and in Josiah’s case when judgment was delayed until after his death.

Unfortunately, many Christians today just don’t believe in God’s judgment. In their thinking God is all mercy, love, and grace. God is also just, righteous, holy, and pure, and a consuming fire. We simply don’t have the option to dissect God’s character according to our preferences.

I actually had a pastor friend of mine say this: “God will never judge us!” When asked why, his response was: “This is America!” It is frightening to me that a pastor can be so arrogant as to hold to this line of thinking. We must remember that God didn’t spare Israel. He didn’t spare His Son. Judgment came just as He promised. He certainly won’t spare America. Therefore, we need to think about our world after America. Are we ready for that world? Stay tuned for Part II.