Romans 3:23 says that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Personal sins are usually mistakes for which atonement is possible. Usually they are offenses against each other or against God and God provides a way of escape through forgiveness and reconciliation for them. However, if we continue in that sin it becomes “iniquity” and amounts to promotion of sin. The consequences of iniquity are more devastating here on earth and more difficult to reconcile. Iniquity is when our individual sin becomes a stain on relationships with others and influences the mind, action or attitude of many or even society as a whole. When it becomes a societal mindset, it requires repentance by society (not just the individual that conscripted the sin in the first place). If society does not acknowledge the error of its ways, God will give that society over to a “reprobate mind” Romans 1:28 and society will reap the wages of sin, which is separation from the blessings of God. Romans 6:23. Is that what America is facing today?

Have we promoted the murder of babies and the destruction of the family to the point of no return? Have we given up our unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that we so boldly declared in 1776? Have we become a Godless society? Society’s acceptance of immorality and disrespect for authority has dire consequences on the believer and the nonbeliever. It creates hell on earth for all of us.

“Righteousness exalts a nation but sin condemns any people.” Proverbs 14:34. Righteousness is not just being good but being in right standing with the One who created us and offers us salvation from our own wicked ways. When we arrive at a place where we do not recognize sin as sin, we choose a lifestyle that is contrary to good order and one from which it is impossible to repent. I pray that it is not a “bridge too far” for our country. Isaiah 5:20 gives us the proper and bold warning, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter”. I am convinced that our only hope for survival is found in God’s admonition in II Chronicles 7:14. International Standard Version, “When my people humble themselves, the ones who are called by my name – and pray, seek me, and turn away from their evil ways, I myself will listen from heaven, I will pardon their sins and I will restore their land.” “My people” is plural and “their” wicked ways is collective. The blessings of God on our Nation are absolutely contingent upon national repentance. The Church of Jesus Christ must be the first to sound the alarm. II Chronicles 7:14 can no longer be just a spiritual platitude – it must be a call to a “fight to the finish” – a fight for the soul of America. It is not about the hereafter, it is about the here and now. America can, but will it repent?