Today is July 4th, Independence Day. We think of July 4th, 1776, as a day representing the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. Let me express that I am thankful to live in a country where I have, for instance, the freedom to worship. I also am grateful to all who have sacrificed to give me the freedoms I have as an American citizen.
If you are a believer who invests in the study and application of the Bible, you realize the ever-increasing divide between our culture’s choices and the precepts found in God’s Word. This has led many a believer to turn to 2 Chronicles 7:14. Let me prepare some of you that when we look at this verse in context, it might be a little uncomfortable, but if you stick with me, I believe we will discover God’s intent for this verse in the lives of believers today.
Here’s 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” We must look at this verse in context. One of the principles we use to study and apply the Bible (we call these principles hermeneutics) is that context is king.
The immediate context of 2 Chronicles shows that the verse is tied up with Israel and the temple, and from time to time, God might send judgment upon Israel in the form of drought, locusts, or pestilence. What is being discussed in 2 Chronicles 7 is the blessing of God’s people, Israel, if they live rightly under the covenant made between God and them. It also declares the curses that would occur if they do not. 2 Chronicles 7:14, then, is found amidst a passage of Scripture, within 2 Chronicles 7, where the Lord reminds King Solomon of the agreement that if Israel obeys, they will be blessed; if they disobey, they will be judged. The judgment is meant to bring Israel to repentance, and God assures Solomon that if they are humble, pray, and repent, then God will deliver them from judgment.
In context, 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a promise to ancient Israel (and perhaps even modern-day Israel) that if they will repent and return to the Lord, He will rescue them. You might say, “But, wait, I have heard this verse used here in the United States as a rallying cry for America.” The problem is that this is not the verse’s immediate context and that the United States does not have the same covenant relationship with God as did ancient Israel. The covenant relationship with Israel was unique and exclusive. The terms that apply to Israel simply did not apply to any other nation, and it’s improper for these terms to be co-opted and applied to a different nation.
Now I know I have ruffled some feathers, but the truth is the truth. Of course, I also know that the pilgrims made a covenant with God, and our Founders did the same. But reading the covenant that was established between God and Israel, we notice their special place in sacred history. Further, it’s clear that in context, this verse is not addressed to any other nation other than Israel.
I have written about the context of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Now, let me share what I believe is God’s intent for this verse in the lives of believers today. We call these universal biblical precepts. First, although the “my people” spoken of here is ancient Israel, we, the church, are God’s people (1 Peter 2:9). As the church, we are not under the Old Covenant of the Law but the New Covenant of Christ.
As God’s people, He has a claim on our lives, partly because we owe God our very existence and further our salvation. Therefore, it’s always appropriate to “humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from their wicked ways” in humble repentance (1 John 1:9). In fact, A genuine mark of a Christian is one who keeps a short account with God, repenting of known sin.
As followers of Christ, we ought to seek the healing of our nation. We, the church, are God’s plan to reach the peoples of the earth with His love and message, bringing the ultimate healing. The church’s mission is to know God and make Him known by being disciples who make disciples and building up one another in the faith. As those who know Christ, we are called in our going about life where we live, work, go to school, and play to be everyday missionaries sharing the love and message of Christ so others too will know Him.
Here is the guarantee we have from God’s Word. We are guaranteed personal salvation when we place our faith in Christ (Romans 10:9). We are guaranteed that God will use us, His church, to accomplish His purposes. We are called to be changed by Christ, following Christ, while on mission with Christ sharing His love and message with others.
We apply 2 Chronicles 7:14, as believers today, by humbling ourselves before God. Also, we are to live rightly with God, following His ways. Lastly, we are to be the church that brings healing. This is what the Lord desires for us as His church and desires for us to want for our nation. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!