By Victor Suresh Sohmen
The Bible says that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). It is the righteous nation that shall enter the presence of God and find favour with Him (Isaiah 26:2). The crucified, risen, ascended and soon-coming Lord Jesus Christ will indeed "sprinkle" many nations with his atoning blood (Isaiah 52:15). God will redeem people out of every nation: indeed, from all kindred, people, and tongues (Revelation 5:9, 7:9).
Will Canada as a nation mock God or the bedrock of the Word of God? "Dominion of Canada" points to a theme in Psalm 72:8: "He (God) shall have dominion also from sea to sea
". At its independence from Britain, Canada knelt before God not before man! She acknowledged her privilege to be part of His Dominion. The Lord is the King of all nations far above all earthly rulers and mundane vanities (Jeremiah 10:7). He is King of kings and Lord of lords! (Revelation 19:16).
Through the pages of history, it can be seen that nations rose and fell despite the grandiose schemes of men. Even in this generation, we have seen mighty nations fall. Who would have thought ten years ago that the Soviet Union would be dismantled? Or that the Berlin Wall would fall? Or that the Eastern bloc would break free from the shackles of Communism?
Where are we today as a nation under God? A quick survey will enlighten us. During the first quarter of 1993, a "Religion Poll" of 4510 adults was taken in Canada (Maclean's April 12, 1993). This poll showed that 78% of Canadians define themselves as "Christians."
It will be remiss at this point not to define the meaning of "Christian" (Acts 11:26, 26:28; 1Peter 4:16). A Christian is one, who by repenting of sins and trusting unconditionally in the crucified, buried, and risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, has the assurance of forgiveness of sins and eternal life in heaven. "Not everyone that saith unto me, "Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven
" (Matthew 7:21). Let us beware of normal Christianity and false righteousness!
Having a Christian name, having been born in a "Christian" family, reading the Bible, or even going to church does not make one a Christian. Let me explain. Normal Christianity is a religion. True Christianity is a RELATIONSHIP* - with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible is uncompromising on this: only the spiritually "born again" can enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3).
The Religion Poll admits that only 8% to 14% of the Canadian population are "conservatives"/"evangelicals" churchgoers who believe in a spiritual regeneration through repentance of sins and confession of Christ as personal Saviour and Lord. Again the poll indicates 67% believe that Jesus was crucified, He died and was buried, but was resurrected to eternal life; 66% concede that Christ is the Divine Son of God; 62% believe that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided a way for their forgiveness; and 41% acknowledge that Satan, the arch enemy of God and of man, is active in the world today.
Canada has moved far away from God! The Bible has been removed from our schools; we no longer claim to be a Christian nation; and even our politicians avoid acknowledging God. The apostle Paul says: "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the Truth." (Galatians 5:7). A moment's thought will make it clear that the same question could be posed to Canada as a nation originally founded on the Word of God. Why have we as His Dominion fallen away from God and His infallible Word?
Nehemiah, the royal cupbearer exhorted: "Let us rise up and build"(Nehemiah 2:18).
Can we as Canadians stand back and let the Devil pollute and decimate our fair land God's Dominion "from sea to shining sea?" Can we dare to pass on to our children the legacy of a godless society wallowing in filth and hopelessness? Should we accept the bitter fruits of a society that has turned away from God and rife with immorality, family violence, runaway kids, pornography, drugs, alcohol and teenage pregnancies? Or should we shudder and turn to God again?
Let us pray for our leaders local city officials, provincial administrators, and national leaders. We need to be steered back toward God and His Word!
Our Canadian citizenship will cease at death; eternal citizenship in Heaven is for those with their names written in the "Book of Life" through redemption by the blood of Christ. A Holy, Righteous God will punish every sin for eternity despite "good works". (Ephesians 2:8-9 and Revelation 20:11-15). Yet a Loving God provides for salvation from sins!
IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE? BE SURE!
COME, LET US RISE UP AND BUILD THE NATION TOGETHER ON THE SOLID ROCK OF THE RISEN LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO DIED ON THE CROSS FOR YOU
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