2 Chronicles 7:14

[John81]

2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)

14If 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.


This verse is often quoted by those who say they want to "restore America" or "return America to the Constitution" or "see America return to her Christian roots".

Many Christian political activists as well as big name preachers proclaim this as their battle cry as they tell folks to vote and get active in the political process.

Is such a proper usage of this passage or are they missing what this passage is really proclaiming? Are they doing what this passage says is necessary?

[HappyChristian]

There are people who say that this verse doesn't apply to Christianity because it is an earthly promise to Israel. I believe that is so, but I do believe that the principle is true on a spiritual level. I think it's a given that if the Christians in the land would get right with God, things would get better in America. At least, if it happens before we become a country like China or Russia...

I've never personally heard it applied to politics. Whenever I've heard the verse applied, it's been to personal revival and one's personal relationship to Christ.

Our preacher encourages people to vote: as Americans, we should take our opportunity to have an impact on our society even in the political realm. And I do believe that people who don't vote don't have the right to complain about what happens while incumbents are in office. But to use this verse to proclaim that the voting booth is the way to restore America is a misapplication, imo.

[irishman]

There are people who say that this verse doesn't apply to Christianity because it is an earthly promise to Israel. I believe that is so, but I do believe that the principle is true on a spiritual level. I think it's a given that if the Christians in the land would get right with God, things would get better in America. At least, if it happens before we become a country like China or Russia...

I've never personally heard it applied to politics. Whenever I've heard the verse applied, it's been to personal revival and one's personal relationship to Christ.

Our preacher encourages people to vote: as Americans, we should take our opportunity to have an impact on our society even in the political realm. And I do believe that people who don't vote don't have the right to complain about what happens while incumbents are in office. But to use this verse to proclaim that the voting booth is the way to restore America is a misapplication, imo.

So...am I to assume that voting affords me the right to complain? The reasoning is redundant. No one has a "right" to complain, but if we choose to do so, being an American ought to qualify us. I hear that phrase often, but if/when I vote, I do not do it for the right to complain.

Yes, 2 Chron. 7:14 is a powerful verse, and the truth if it is for us today. I believe we have seen this already in our country. God blesses all mankind, but especially those that honor Him.

[John81]

Why are not American Christians applying this verse in their own lives and in their own churches if they believe them to apply to us today?

Rather than doing what is put forth in the verse, I see most proclaiming they are following that verse by getting politically active and praying for God to back the candidates they have decided to suport.

[John81]

Trying to reply to Irishman and it did it again:

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[irishman]

Why are not American Christians applying this verse in their own lives and in their own churches if they believe them to apply to us today?

Rather than doing what is put forth in the verse, I see most proclaiming they are following that verse by getting politically active and praying for God to back the candidates they have decided to suport.

[JerryNumbers]

So...am I to assume that voting affords me the right to complain? The reasoning is redundant. No one has a "right" to complain, but if we choose to do so, being an American ought to qualify us. I hear that phrase often, but if/when I vote, I do not do it for the right to complain.

Yes, 2 Chron. 7:14 is a powerful verse, and the truth if it is for us today. I believe we have seen this already in our country. God blesses all mankind, but especially those that honor Him.

Amen Marty.

Christin ought to be giving thank to God for His blessing instead of complaining. And being thankful for what they have.



I would love for an American president to come out and say such.

Da 3:28 ¶ Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.
Da 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.
Da 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Yet I don't feel we will ever have one with enough faith to do so nor will they feel its political expedient for them to do such a thing. The only way they would is if they thought they could get poloticla gain for doing such.

I feel the same is true for 2 Chronicles 7:14.

[John81]

It's much easier for Christians to engage in politics than it is for them to humble themselves and pursue holiness. Far easier to encourage folks to vote than to share Christ with them. Much easier to be seen as doing something by attending a rally or protest than to cast their sins under the heel of Christ.

Politicians blow in the wind. If saying something Christian sounding will get them votes or help them push their agenda they will use such terms. However, with true Christianity being under such massive attack and being pushed back on virtually all fronts, politicians know that either avoiding Christianity or simply appeasing the "worldly Christians" gets the best results.

[HappyChristian]

It's much easier for Christians to engage in politics than it is for them to humble themselves and pursue holiness. Far easier to encourage folks to vote than to share Christ with them. Much easier to be seen as doing something by attending a rally or protest than to cast their sins under the heel of Christ.

Politicians blow in the wind. If saying something Christian sounding will get them votes or help them push their agenda they will use such terms. However, with true Christianity being under such massive attack and being pushed back on virtually all fronts, politicians know that either avoiding Christianity or simply appeasing the "worldly Christians" gets the best results.

By and large this is true. But thankfully there are a few Christians in office who are not afraid to say so.

And as to the complaint comment: Wouldn't complaining be remarking on the things that are wrong with policies that are made? That is what I had in mind with my comment - and what many on this board do. So, I stand by my original statement. If someone doesn't vote and/or do something to try and keep out those politicians who want to see things like socialism become the way we do things, they really don't have any right to condemn or complain. Even if they are American.

[JerryNumbers]

It's much easier for Christians to engage in politics than it is for them to humble themselves and pursue holiness. Far easier to encourage folks to vote than to share Christ with them. Much easier to be seen as doing something by attending a rally or protest than to cast their sins under the heel of Christ.

Politicians blow in the wind. If saying something Christian sounding will get them votes or help them push their agenda they will use such terms. However, with true Christianity being under such massive attack and being pushed back on virtually all fronts, politicians know that either avoiding Christianity or simply appeasing the "worldly Christians" gets the best results.

True, and that bunch seems head strong and keeps on thinking a certain man or woman elected to a political office with turn this country back to Christ, yet for many generations that has been tried and America is further away for God than ever.

[John81]

By and large this is true. But thankfully there are a few Christians in office who are not afraid to say so.

And as to the complaint comment: Wouldn't complaining be remarking on the things that are wrong with policies that are made? That is what I had in mind with my comment - and what many on this board do. So, I stand by my original statement. If someone doesn't vote and/or do something to try and keep out those politicians who want to see things like socialism become the way we do things, they really don't have any right to condemn or complain. Even if they are American.

A Christian who prays for his country and leaders, even if he doesn't vote, has done far more for his country than the professing Christian who votes but doesn't pray.

There are times when the only "choice" in voting is between socialist 2.0 and the upgraded socialist 3.0.

[John81]

True, and that bunch seems head strong and keeps on thinking a certain man or woman elected to a political office with turn this country back to Christ, yet for many generations that has been tried and America is further away for God than ever.

One of the good things about reading of past pastors and evangelists in American history who actually OBeyed the Word of God and let the power of God make a difference rather than trying to do things in the power of man, is how much real and truly positive change occured.

Often so many would come to Christ in a community that houses of prostitution and saloons were closed because the owners came to Christ or because so many came to Christ there was no longer any business. Many times so many leaders in a community would come to Christ they would immediately lead according to the Word of God and their community laws woudl reflect this.

[JerryNumbers]

One of the good things about reading of past pastors and evangelists in American history who actually OBeyed the Word of God and let the power of God make a difference rather than trying to do things in the power of man, is how much real and truly positive change occured.

Often so many would come to Christ in a community that houses of prostitution and saloons were closed because the owners came to Christ or because so many came to Christ there was no longer any business. Many times so many leaders in a community would come to Christ they would immediately lead according to the Word of God and their community laws woudl reflect this.

Yes, the Gospel is still as strong as ever, its us Christians have not enough faith.

And the saloon keeper that got saved, destroyed all of his stock, he refused to sell it to someone else and make a profit from it. I suppose today's saloon keeper would go on with his business as usual.

[irishman]

Some say that 2 Chron. 7:14 only applies to the Jews, but we all have to admit that it is good advice for any country, and works for any country that meets the requirements.

I beg to differ with those who think there is some "real" Christians in politics. I believe that they have to compromise somewhere for the sake of the party (being blackballed) or for the sake of their own agenda. No Christian could have any influence because he would be ostracized by the party and/or politicians in general. He definitely would not be popular, and therefore ineffective. If they perchance did "stick by the stuff" they would not last long as politicians.

[John81]

Some say that 2 Chron. 7:14 only applies to the Jews, but we all have to admit that it is good advice for any country, and works for any country that meets the requirements.

I beg to differ with those who think there is some "real" Christians in politics. I believe that they have to compromise somewhere for the sake of the party (being blackballed) or for the sake of their own agenda. No Christian could have any influence because he would be ostracized by the party and/or politicians in general. He definitely would not be popular, and therefore ineffective. If they perchance did "stick by the stuff" they would not last long as politicians.

This is why, as the verse proclaims, change must begin first among God's people. Only when God's people get right and get serious about doing God's will, can we expect true positive change to take place.