God Bless America?

[John81]

"God Bless America"

I used to be an enthusiastic singer of this song, but as I have aged and reflected, I am troubled by the question, “Why SHOULD God bless America?”

We have destroyed His second-greatest gift (after His sacrifice of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ), and called it “choice.”

We have banned God and His word from our schools and called it “Separation of church and state,” which was never part of the US Constitution. That document called for freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion.

We forbid fathers to chasten their children as the Bible instructed them to do, and called it “rights of the child.”

We have allowed children to violate the commandment to “Honor thy father and mother that their days may be long,” and called that “rights of the child.”

We distribute condoms in school and call it “birth control” despite God’s teaching that abstinence is the only method acceptable to Him.

We legalize sodomy and call it “gay rights.” God’s word specifically condemned these practices.

We adopt the teachings of the atheist Darwin in denial of His word describing His omnipotence demonstrated in creating this world. We call this “science.”

We teach the hubristic “science” of “man-made glOBal warming” in absolute denial of God’s omnipotence in preserving or destroying that which He created according to His will. We conveniently ignore the truth that in a single week of volcanic eruption in Iceland, more CO2 has been discharged than man has “controlled” in the previous five years.

This is just a small sampling of the violations of God’s instructions that we engage in. Yes, God has already blessed us, but we have thrown His blessing aside and now follow the ways of Satan.

Instead of asking for God to bless us, we should, like the people of Nineveh, be asking God to FORGIVE us and GUIDE us to return to His ways. The Bible tells us that God will judge us, and condemn and destroy those whom He chooses not to save. We should be reading His word, the Bible, and not banning it from our schools and public places.

The country was founded on biblical principles, and we were blessed when we followed those principles. Unfortunately, now we are asking God to bless us while we mock Him by our thoughts, words, and deeds. Just as He destroyed Israel and Judah, He will punish us for disOBeying Him.

Author Unknown
(Something sent to me)

[irishman]

still, I see "God Bless America" as a prayer of sorts; we need His blessing more than ever, and your post proves it!

Look at some of the words to the first verse:

Good bless America
Land that I love,
Stand beside her,
and guide her,
through the night with thy light from above;

[Annie]

John, your post reminds me of John MacArthur's book Can God Bless America? I, too, cannot sing the old song without thinking to myself, "If God does what I'm asking Him to do right now, He would be going against His nature as expressed in Scripture itself, and would have to apologize to other nations He has judged for their decadence, idolatry, and immorality." Good thoughts, Brother John.

[JerryNumbers]

So true, and God cannot bless sin, He can only punish it.


Jos 7:1 ¶ But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel.
Jos 7:2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spake unto them, saying, Go up and view the country. And the men went up and viewed Ai.
Jos 7:3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few.
Jos 7:4 So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
Jos 7:5 And the men of Ai smote of them about thirty and six men: for they chased them from before the gate even unto Shebarim, and smote them in the going down: wherefore the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.
Jos 7:6 ¶ And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.

Yes, when there is sin in the camp, the local church, the nation, it affects everyone. When Israel went ups against Ai, they lost, Israel men of war were killed, just because of one mans sin. yet we call our sin private, its no ones business, it effects no one else. That is a lie, it affect our family, our friends, our church, our nation.

Read all of Joshua 7, and see the effect of one mans sin.

Several years ago my pastor preached the message at a convention entitled, "Sin in the Camp," based on Joshua 7, last Sunday morning I used this in part in my morning message. Its a good message to bring at any church, for its true, "Sin in the Camp," has an effect on the whole camp.

Just as the sins of this nation has an effect on the whole nation, and brings God's wrath, not blessings.

[irishman]

I still believe in prayer:

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
(For ALL God's people!)


If God doesn't bless sinners, what chance have you and I? He can still bless America by getting us back on track! If you say that he does not bless open, and OBvious sin, then he still can't bless any of us. My sin is bigger than me--that is what I need Calvary for. If you are speaking of "presumptuous" sin, then realize that unsaved leaders are all presumptuous in their sin, otherwise they would be afraid of the wrath of God upon them! Presumptuous is arrogance; it is sinning when we know better, but don,t seem to care at the time--I've been there, and I believe we all have!

I still ask God to bless America, even though she does not deserve it. (Neither do I, by the way!)

[irishman]

John, your post reminds me of John MacArthur's book Can God Bless America? I, too, cannot sing the old song without thinking to myself, "If God does what I'm asking Him to do right now, He would be going against His nature as expressed in Scripture itself, and would have to apologize to other nations He has judged for their decadence, idolatry, and immorality." Good thoughts, Brother John.

Annie,
John who? Do you mean that guy that does not know which Bible is the Word of God? Or the guy that does not believe in the blood atonement? yeah, same guy! Edited May 26, 2010 by irishman

[John81]

Of course prayer is powerful and needful but this song is more of a celebration of America and especially these days it's sang often in a self-righteous way. I noticed after 9-11 this song was often used in a manner as if saying America is so wonderful we are blessed of God because we deserve it.

God requires that people turn from their sins (repent) and turn to Him. This isn't happening and for the most part this isn't being preached or taught. There are many in America who somehow believe America is deserving of God's blessing because somehow America is special. As well, there are many who think God will bless America (for whatever reason) no matter what America is doing and are often seeking God to bless them in their wickedness.

[Annie]

Annie,
John who? Do you mean that guy that does not know which Bible is the Word of God? Or the guy that does not believe in the blood atonement? yeah, same guy!

Not sure what your point is here, irishman. Are you saying that MacArthur does not have a valid point about God not blessing a nation which, Sodom and Gommorah-like, endorses, protects, and celebrates homosexuality; glorifies violence; dismembers unborn children; embraces Darwinianism; addicts itself to pornography of all kinds; idolizes godless celebrities; and follows hard after hedonism, decadence, base passions, and inordinate affections? Every other nation which has gone down this path has fallen. "Nations that forget God" are not blessed by Him, but face well-deserved punishment.

I don't believe that the Chronicles verse applies to America. "If my people" (America is not and never was "God's people"), "which are called by my name" (again, not America). In context, it was a message to the ancient Jews, God's people, who had fallen into wickedness. Edited May 26, 2010 by Annie

[John81]

Not sure what your point is here, irishman. Are you saying that MacArthur does not have a valid point about God not blessing a nation which, Sodom and Gommorah-like, endorses, protects, and celebrates homosexuality; glorifies violence; dismembers unborn children; embraces Darwinianism; addicts itself to pornography of all kinds; idolizes godless celebrities; and follows hard after hedonism, decadence, base passions, and inordinate affections? Every other nation which has gone down this path has fallen. "Nations that forget God" are not blessed by Him, but face well-deserved punishment.

I don't believe that the Chronicles verse applies to America. "If my people" (America is not and never was "God's people"), "which are called by my name" (again, not America). In context, it was a message to the ancient Jews, God's people, who had fallen into wickedness.

Good post, but I do believe the principle behind the Chronicles verse applies. Even if we limit that verse to "God's people", in America today that could refer to born again believers. In a broader context, any nation that OBeys and follows the Lord will be blessed so if a nation repented of their wickedness and turned to Christ one could expect that nation to be blessed.

With regards to the song of the topic, how many Americans really think of the One True God when they hear or sing this song? Even of those who do, how many are singing the song in a reverential manner?

Sad to say but many songs, not only this one, have become "just songs" to most people and they have more of a secular meaning to most rather than anything divine.

[Annie]

Good post, but I do believe the principle behind the Chronicles verse applies. Even if we limit that verse to "God's people", in America today that could refer to born again believers. In a broader context, any nation that OBeys and follows the Lord will be blessed so if a nation repented of their wickedness and turned to Christ one could expect that nation to be blessed.

John, I'm not going to quibble with you on this, even though I can't see how "God's people" in this verse could possibly refer to modern born-again believers, and I don't believe that "broadening context" is hermeneutically sound.

As far as repenting and turning to Christ, I personally believe America is too far gone for this. She is drunk and gluttonous, and cares for nothing but ease and comfort. Even the horrific events of 9/11 were not enough to turn her attention except for a fleeting moment. The general American view of God is so corrupted that even though preachers like Franklin Graham get an occasional hearing, and are somewhat respected, their messages are hopelessly garbled by the prevailing worldview that exists in the minds of Americans, and America is no better off as a result. I personally would welcome a time of judgment for America, since I think that's the only way out of her spiritual blindness.

With regards to the song of the topic, how many Americans really think of the One True God when they hear or sing this song? Even of those who do, how many are singing the song in a reverential manner?

America has long given lip service to God, Who comes in handy for sentimental songs and occasionally makes cameo appearances at formal events. But their hearts are far from Him. We can't see the hearts of everyone who sings the song, but, judging by the climate of our nation, any mass singing of that song is indeed bordering on sacrilege. No Christian group that I'm a part of has sung that song for several years.

Sad to say but many songs, not only this one, have become "just songs" to most people and they have more of a secular meaning to most rather than anything divine.

Well, sure. To the unsaved, who have no understanding of the divine, everything is secular. Edited May 26, 2010 by Annie

[HappyChristian]

I love that song, and sing it. And my prayer is that God could some day bless America again. Yes, she is full of heinous sin. But, as a Christian, my hope is that people will turn to Christ and God can bless her...remember, she was not perfect when God blessed her before!

As to God having to apologize to other nations: that is not a scriptural thought, and it really gets me when I hear preachers preach that if God doesn't judge America He'll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorroh (or wherever). Who are we to say what God will and will not have to do? God says in Romans that He will judge whom He will judge and have mercy on whom He will have mercy. That is totally opposite of the thought expressed in the non-Biblical comment that He will have to apologize to others. He doesn't have to apologize for anything He does or does not do!

Saying that, I do believe that judgment is coming (and is here, actually, starting small but getting stronger). But not because God would have to apologize (and I know that's not what you meant, Annie), but because (as you pointed out) it would go against His nature and His stated Word not to do so. But again, if He chose not to judge America, for whatever reason, He would owe no apology to anyone.

However, I do believe that the Chroncles verse can apply to Christianity in America. After all, Christians are His people - His children. And I believe He would hear our prayers, if we followed the outline of that verse.

[Annie]

As to God having to apologize to other nations: that is not a scriptural thought, and it really gets me when I hear preachers preach that if God doesn't judge America He'll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorroh (or wherever). Who are we to say what God will and will not have to do? God says in Romans that He will judge whom He will judge and have mercy on whom He will have mercy. That is totally opposite of the thought expressed in the non-Biblical comment that He will have to apologize to others. He doesn't have to apologize for anything He does or does not do!

I agree with what you are saying here; I was using the word "apologize" more as a rhetorical device. Of course God does not have to explain why He does what He does; He doesn't answer to humans. But He has given us plenty of historical precedent, clear descriptions of His nature, and numerous clear statements in Scripture that, together, sentence America to divine judgment.

Saying that, I do believe that judgment is coming (and is here, actually, starting small but getting stronger). But not because God would have to apologize (and I know that's not what you meant, Annie), but because (as you pointed out) it would go against His nature and His stated Word not to do so. But again, if He chose not to judge America, for whatever reason, He would owe no apology to anyone.

Right. God owes no apology. That's how sure I am that judgment is coming. If God doesn't judge America, then He would owe an apology to other nations (which He doesn't). It's just another way of saying that His character and acts as described in Scripture demand that America experience judgment. I hope this clarifies what I was saying earlier. Maybe it muddies the water...I'm sorry if that's true. We do agree on this.

However, I do believe that the Chroncles verse can apply to Christianity in America. After all, Christians are His people - His children. And I believe He would hear our prayers, if we followed the outline of that verse.

Christians do not have "wicked ways," as I John instructs us. Those who habitually sin after professing faith are not of God. By definition, Christians are those who have already turned from their wickedness, and who wear the righteousness of Christ both positionally and practically. They are not characterized by "wicked ways," but by righteous living. Anyone who follows wicked ways cannot be a Christian. Edited May 26, 2010 by Annie

[HappyChristian]

I agree with what you are saying here; I was using the word "apologize" more as a rhetorical device. Of course God does not have to explain why He does what He does; He doesn't answer to humans. But He has given us plenty of historical precedent, clear descriptions of His nature, and numerous clear statements in Scripture that, together, sentence America to divine judgment.


Right. God owes no apology. That's how sure I am that judgment is coming. If God doesn't judge America, then He would owe an apology to other nations (which He doesn't). It's just another way of saying that His character and acts as described in Scripture demand that America experience judgment. I hope this clarifies what I was saying earlier. Maybe it muddies the water...I'm sorry if that's true. We do agree on this.


Christians do not have "wicked ways," as I John instructs us. Those who habitually sin after professing faith are not of God. By definition, Christians are those who have already turned from their wickedness, and who wear the righteousness of Christ both positionally and pracically. They are not characterized by "wicked ways," but by righteous living. Anyone who follows wicked ways cannot be a Christian.

Oh. So, Christians can't backslide? Sin is wicked, and if a Christian has turned his/her back on God then they have wicked ways.

No, God would not owe an apology - even metaphorically. He says He will have mercy on whom He will. If He chooses to show mercy to America, He owes no-one anything! That choosing is also of His nature.

[John81]

John, I'm not going to quibble with you on this, even though I can't see how "God's people" in this verse could possibly refer to modern born-again believers, and I don't believe that "broadening context" is hermeneutically sound.

As far as repenting and turning to Christ, I personally believe America is too far gone for this. She is drunk and gluttonous, and cares for nothing but ease and comfort. Even the horrific events of 9/11 were not enough to turn her attention except for a fleeting moment. The general American view of God is so corrupted that even though preachers like Franklin Graham get an occasional hearing, and are somewhat respected, their messages are hopelessly garbled by the prevailing worldview that exists in the minds of Americans, and America is no better off as a result. I personally would welcome a time of judgment for America, since I think that's the only way out of her spiritual blindness.


America has long given lip service to God, Who comes in handy for sentimental songs and occasionally makes cameo appearances at formal events. But their hearts are far from Him. We can't see the hearts of everyone who sings the song, but, judging by the climate of our nation, any mass singing of that song is indeed bordering on sacrilege. No Christian group that I'm a part of has sung that song for several years.


Well, sure. To the unsaved, who have no understanding of the divine, everything is secular.

I'm not looking to quibble and I'd say we are mostly in agreement here. My meaning with regards to the Chronicles verse is that certainly the verse was directly for Israel and in OT times the Jews were "God's people". In NT times Christians can lay claim being "God's people" while the lost cannot. I'm not saying the verse directly applies to either Americans or Christians but there is an underlying principle.

As to the rest I'd say we seem to be in agreement. One would have thought perhaps 9-11 would have sparked a revival among American Christians and they would have rejected their lives of ease and cast off the snares of the world, drawn themselves close to God and become very busy virtually 7 days a week spreading the Gospel, discipling, exposing sin and proclaiming the remedy, and generally having truly put God first in their lives. We haven't done that.

Again, I agree with you that masses of unsaved folks singing "God Bless America" is nothing more than a secular event. Sad to say, even among many professing Christians it's the same. And it's not just this song, but how many Christians sing hymns and such several times a year and yet don't really know what the song is about, are not actually singing to the glory of God, are just going through the motions?

Yes, America is very far gone and I don't know how any professing Christian could not see this and also not see the chastening hand of God weighing ever more heavily upon America.

America seems set to follow the path of ancient Israel which ends with God bringing their nation to ruin.

[irishman]

Singing "God Bless America" has little to do with our standing before God, as Christians. "Wicked ways" are applied to Christians who are carnal, are they not following those of wicked ways? We are all sinners, t that we will agree; are those sins "wicked ways" or not? if not, they are not sin!

As for 2 Chron 7:14, the emphasis is on prayer, not the state of the country. It is for all people at all times, lest we limit the Word of God, as many times we are won't to do. The underlying principle is that God's people can make a difference when they get hold of God. Nothing is impossible with God.

I do not believe that patriotism is necessarily Christianity, nor do I believe that America, with all her wickedness, is anywhere near deserving of God's blessing, but neither am I! Our only recourse is the mercy and grace of God. I do, however, believe that the Lord will honor the country that makes Him their God, and that will only come to pass with us praying for the lost (just as we supposedly pray for people to get saved) leaders of our country. To say that we are too far gone is to say there is no hope , and we might as well quit praying and seeking the Lord in that matter. I don't think that would be pleasing to Him.

I see nothing wrong with proclaiming America as the greatest country in the world, and thanking God that we were born here, it could have been much worse, and we might never have heard the Gospel otherwise; at least not on the scale that it was preached throughout the years. We still have a lot of freedoms, even though we are losing them fast. Daniel made a difference in Babylon; Joseph made a difference in Egypt; and we can make a difference here. DON"T GIVE UP on America yet!

We ought to rejoice that unsaved people sing "God Bless America" it may be the only time they acknowledge the God of America, and speak of him without committing blaspheme. Even mentioning His name is a testimony to His existence; just as the news reporting say they are "praying" for someone who has died, or the family left behind. Of course they do not know what they are saying,--they are unsaved! What do we expect of them?

It is disappointing to me that Americans are ashamed to sing about the good old USA, because of a multitudes of idiots that are trying to destroy her. We ought to shout it all the more for their sakes! I hope our Lord does not suffer from His people when we see Sodom arise and the spirit of Sodom prevail in society or in the church! I hope we will still sing sons of praise and glory to Him in spite of what others do.

By the way, Happy Christian seems to have the right attitude, and I commend her for it.

Remember: Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

while we were YET SINNERS....

Edited May 26, 2010 by irishman