We live in a great country. I would argue that we live in the best country in the world. The rights and freedoms that Americans enjoy have established our country as a destination for those oppressed, for those seeking help and aid, and for those longing for religious
Christians in America are blessed to be a part of a country that was founded on values that were both Biblical in authority and moral in nature. We have rested on this foundation for so long that even a secular world considers us a ‘Christian’ nation. Our Christian heritage is a source of pride and satisfaction….and it is a very real danger.
The danger comes when we feel that our status as Americans somehow gains us favor with God. I think of this often when I hear ‘God Bless America’ sung at ball games or special events. How many people sing along and have no concept of why God gives blessings? How many of those people are trusting in something false for their eternal security? How many assume that we are blessed by God simply because we live in America?
As you read Romans 2 you could play the tune of ‘God Bless America’, but instead of ‘America’, insert ‘Jewish People.’ Paul confronts the Jews directly over the confidence that they have placed in their own heritage. Romans 2:17-18 says, “Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;” Yea! You are Jewish! There was great national pride in being a Jew. Paul describes this in Philippians 3 when he details himself as “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews.” There was pride in knowing that you were one of God’s chosen people. You were a descendent of Abraham and Isaac. Hearing of David was hearing of the history of your people! Studying of your ancestor Moses put you in touch with the man that God entrusted to record the pentateuch.
Being Jewish was a great thing! There was an incredible benefit to being a Jew. Paul explains this in Romans 3: 1-2. “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were
In fact, the verses that we use most often to declare man’s sinful nature (Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23) were written specifically to show the Jews that there is no one that stands before God as righteous because of his heritage or nationality. The Gentiles don’t . The Jews don’t. Americans won’t either. Apart from saving faith, we will all stand guilty before a righteous and holy judge.
Walk down the streets of LittleTown, USA. Ask the first 10 people you come to if they are Christians. Probably 8 of them will say yes. Have they every trusted in Christ alone? Did they ever turn from sin and turn to a loving Savior? Or are they a Christian because that’s just what we are in America. To me that’s the danger of being an American: growing up in a country thinking that were are special to God because of the ‘Red, White and the Blue.’
I’m thankful that God looks down on this sin cursed earth and offers salvation to all who will receive, no matter the country. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone! (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Revelation 7:9-10 “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.”
DJHarry Isaiah 64:8 We are the clay!
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