God's Plan For The Nations

Where did the nations come from? Why is there racism? What will happen to my home nation? Is there HOPE for the nations? There are many questions about the nations, but the most important question that needs to be answered is—What is God’s Plan for the Nations? It is clear that we all have many differences, no matter what country your family is from. Often, the focus on the differences causes us to miss the HOPE that is common to all people. The Bible has much to say about what we all have in COMMON: Common Relation: As you look at around at the many different cultures, languages, and people, you might be surprised to find out from the Bible that we are actually all related! Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, created He him…” Genesis 3:20 tells us that “Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” We actually all have the same mom and dad—Adam and Eve. In fact, the Bible says that we are not many races with some more important than others, but only one human race with different shades of color, languages, and cultures. No matter where you were born or what language you speak, you can trace your roots to the first man and the first woman. This relationship caused a… Common Rebellion: Adam and Eve broke God’s law in the garden and were immediately separated from God. Just as a physical disease might be passed from a parent to a child, so the spiritual disease of SIN was passed from our parents in the garden to every one of us today. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Our common problem is that we all have broken God’s law: we have sinned. There is not one person from any nation that can say they have never lied, or stolen, or hated, or taken God’s name in vain, or coveted, or committed adultery in the heart, and so on… Common Retribution: In the hundreds of nations that are on earth, there are a variety of governments and leaders. Each tribe,  village, city or country has someone that is in authority. Yet there is ONE who has all authority over all of HIS creation. The Bible says in Psalm 22:28, “For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and He is the GOVERNOR among the nations.” This governor is GOD. He has established laws for his kingdom and every human being has broken his laws. Just as in any other nation that we are familiar with, we would expect a judgment and consequences for violating the laws that our authority has given us. It is no different with God. He is a just JUDGE over the nations. Because He always does right, He must punish sin. We may not think that we have done much, but in fact the Bible teaches us that if we have broken even one of God’s laws, we are guilty of breaking all of the laws of the Bible! This rebellion must have consequences. Psalm 9:17 says, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” Because God is Holy and Just, He must punish sin. This punishment is separation from God in the place called hell forever and ever. Hell is a real place with real fire, torment, and pain. The fires of hell will burn the same for every people group. We have a common retribution. We need HOPE! Common Rescue: There is GOOD NEWS! God has a plan for your nation and for every person and nation of the world. Psalm 67:2 says, “That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations.” What if there was a cure for the disease that was passed on from our common parents, Adam and Eve? What if the punishment of death could be substituted for LIFE? What if there was a WAY for every person from every nation to have their sins forgiven and to be in heaven with God one day? God has a plan of rescue. Since God must always be just, there still must be consequences for sin, which is death. If we are to be rescued from death, that means only one thing: someone must take our punishment for us as a substitute. This is the only way that the wrath of God toward sin will be satisfied. John 3:16 tells us that this is exactly what happened: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus came as a sinless man and perfect God to die on the cross for you. He was mocked, beaten, and crucified to take the punishment that we all deserve. Jesus was buried and God raised Him from the dead three days later. This rescue is available for every person to take by faith. The Bible makes it very simple and clear: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” You cannot fix the separation problem by trying to be good or being faithful to church. No religion can save us from the wrath of God. The Bible says it is “by grace that we are saved.” That means it is free and this gift must be received by depending only on Jesus Christ. Would you simply receive by faith this free gift of Salvation that he has promised? Ask Him to save you from the judgment of God. He will forgive your sins and give you eternal life! What is the future for you and your nation? Matthew 25:32 tells us, “And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from his goats.” Every person from every nation will stand before the Governor of the Nations and will be separated based on what they have done with the offer of Jesus Christ. No matter our differences, there is only one SAVIOUR and ONE PLAN for the nations. Jesus is the Hope for the Nations!