In God's Word: Make Yourself Clean

November 13, 2018 - The first official act of the new government of the United States of America was not to pass a law, but, to officially dedicate the new country, the new republic, to the service of the Lord God.

New President George Washington and his cabinet, all appointments from the ranks of the leaders of the war of independence from Great Britain walked to a small chapel in New York where they prayed together, led by President Washington and dedicated our country and their efforts to lead it, to the Lord God of heaven.

That is how America came into being, as a servant of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah speaks of such a country that had become as has America when he says;

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.” (Isaiah 1:2)

A country reared up by God Almighty, delivered by his hand from the chains of bondage to Great Britain. A country of farmers who defeated the largest army in the world, but only by God’s grace. A country which would prosper like none other since time began. A people which would eventually turn from the Lord and go their own selfish, sinful ways. 

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged.” (Isaiah 1:4)

How long, America, how long will you defy the Lord? When before you come to your senses and repent of your sinful ways? For only through repentance and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ will this country be saved from its own wickedness.

Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.” (Isaiah 1:5) 

And so the Lord asks of us; why do you do this? Why do you not know my law, my will for you?

Because, as a whole, we are an ignorant people, ignorant of God’s Word, the Bible.

Understanding comes only from the pages of God’s Word and without study and meditation on his word we are found stumbling in darkness, lost in sin and iniquity. Feeble attempts to satisfy the Lord without true repentance will not succeed.

Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations - I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.” (Isaiah 1:13)

When you spread out your hands, I will hide my face my eyes from you; though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.” (Isaiah 1:15)

The Lord requires true repentance of all sin if we are to be saved again as a people. We must come to him first, as individuals repenting of our own sinful ways, and then come together as a people dedicated to him and his will as we started, if, America is to return to his good graces.

Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek social justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.

Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but of you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:16:20)

So I ask you this day, will you turn from your sinful ways, repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ as your Sovereign Lord and Master? For there is no other way to salvation than through the Lord Jesus. 

Accept him this day and escape the fate of all evildoers when the day of the Lord comes…