Posted: 11/08/06

The World After America: Coming Soon?

Although I hold to a positive, postmillennial view of the future, I have become a short-term skeptic in regards to America's near future. In the past, it seemed unthinkable to me that God could have a plan without America being the star player. After all, we are a "Christian nation" or at least we used to be. It didn't even enter my mind that the world's greatest Christian experiment could end in failure. Well, I've changed my mind and my thinking.

I pray for America. I lose sleep over America and I certainly love this country. It rips my heart out to see her die a slow but sure death. There are times when I just want to run, like move to Costa Rica or Belize. But, I've decided to face reality and fight for our nation.

How did I get to where I am today? What has changed my thinking and why am I so sure that I am right?

Let me share reasons with you, but first a caveat. I know that regardless of the events that unfold God is in control. I know it is never too late with God. So, it is possible that He may do something I can't anticipate. At the same time, God's Word is true and reliable. In His Word, God reveals certain spiritual principles (laws) that have held true over man's entire history. Certain things trigger judgment.[1] When nations cross over God's line, judgment occurs. I think we have already sinned enough to trigger that judgment.

The only Biblical precedent that may offer us hope is that God may put off judgment based on our national repentance, if that should occur in time. But even then God would only postpone judgment, not waive it. He never simply winks at sin. Cases in point: Nineveh when God postponed judgment after the city repented and in Josiah's case when judgment was postponed until after his death.[2]

Unfortunately, many Christians just don't believe in God's judgment any more. He's all mercy, love, and grace in their thinking. That's convenient but not reality. I actually had a pastor friend of mine say this: "God will never judge us!" When asked why, his response was: "This is America!" It is frightening to me that a pastor can be so arrogant as to believe this. God didn't spare Israel. He didn't spare His Son. Judgment came just as He promised. He won't spare America. Therefore, we need to think about our world after America.

My main reason for losing optimism is that I know that we deserve God's judgment. Our continued slaughter of the unborn, embracing of homosexuality, addiction to pornography and drugs, and our abandonment of real justice are more than enough to trigger God's wrath. It's only because of His mercy, so far, that we still stand today.

Other reasons for my conclusions include the rapidly changing demographics, uncontrolled immigration, and a national disdain for God that continues to grow. We as a nation have done everything possible to remove God from the public square, the schools, sports functions, and even the shopping malls. Do we expect God to bless this? We have demonstrated a classic case of "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away" (2 Timothy 3:5).

Demographics may be one of God's judgments. America as we have known it is fading away. There is no question about that and there is likely no stopping it. The combination of the immigration invasion and our low birth rate will create a new nation by 2050. At that time America will be about 50% Hispanic based on current trends and white Americans will for the first time be in the minority.

Our language is already under attack. Today, in certain parts of California, teachers are required to speak English and Spanish to be eligible for employment. Have you noticed that increasingly you have to choose a language now almost anytime you bank on line, use the ATM, or call a business?

The imported mores, religions, and lifestyles of America's new citizens will change the social and political landscape forever and move us even further away from our Christian roots. If you factor in the frightening spread of Islam in America things look even worse. What if they become the majority? They are already taking over other nations.[3]

We are reminded from Scripture that one of the ways God punishes His people is to allow them to be invaded by foreign people.[4] Our immigration problem could again be His judgment already in motion.

Finally, my pessimism is exacerbated by the Church's increasing anemia and monastic mentality. In general terms the Church has lost its ability to influence culture. America has a church on every corner but what are they doing to instill a biblical worldview and cultural change in their surrounding neighborhoods? I realize some do, but I've been at this for thirty years and I just don't see it. Things are not getting better at this point. We are at war with opposing worldviews and we don't seem to be engaged. Churches have become increasingly self-absorbed and withdrawn from cultural combat.

I'm not trying to depress anyone or say there is no hope. There is, but we have to do our part too. We have to lead by example. Christians divorce more than non-Christians. What does this say? Too many high level Christians are caught in heinous sins, as are many of the sheep. Addiction to pornography and drugs are not uncommon in the pews and pulpits. What does the world see when they look at us? What do we offer them besides a nice family life center?

My point is that we better quit waiting for the rapture, or sticking our heads in the sand, and get ready for the judgment because its coming if we don't turn things around. Freedom doesn't live in a vacuum. A price is always required. We must repent, pray, and do what the Gospel demands: Make disciples of the nations.[5]

This is what I think. What about you?

By Ralph C. Barker Click here for bio and archived articles