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It is tempting to understand the fate of a nation in black and white, yes or no, is it or isn’t it terms. But what does it mean when God repeatedly states, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”? What does that mean for a nation like the United States where both Christians and non-Christians live?

We must understand this next to Christ’s words, “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” Knowing that Jesus is the only hope of salvation before God, we know, without doubt, that denial of Him results in judgment under the Law. The Law, though, has no power to justify, only to condemn ^{(Romans 2:14-15; 3:19-20)}. Without Christ, being utterly forsaken will be the inevitable end of everyone who dies.

But God’s heart of hearts is this: because final judgment is so severe (but necessary), He is not willing that any should perish ^{(2 Peter 3:9)}. He offered hope and an escape: Jesus also said, “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven.” This explains why Peter’s denial of Jesus ^{(Matthew 26:69-72)} did not end in a final judgment that resulted in utter forsaking. Even after denial, Peter came running back to Jesus ^{(John 21:7)}. Jesus, not wanting that any should perish ^{(John 10:30)}, does not cast Peter out for His denial ^{(John 6:37)}, but examines him so that Peter would, himself, enter into restored fellowship with God. Jesus asks him to confess with his mouth ^{(John 21:15-16)}, and then asks Him to confess with his heart ^{(John 21:17)}. We learn the importance of these things from Paul ^{(Romans 10:9-10)}.

Peter’s final response is telling, because it is an admission of His imperfect love. His wasn’t agape love, but brotherly love. It seems like a confession that he has transgressed the greatest commandment, to love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. This, Peter failed to do. But it is in this confession and coming to Christ that the scripture is fulfilled ^{(1 John 1:9)}. You see, Jesus, loving Peter, prayed for him! ^{(Luke 22:31-32)} And we know that whatever the Son asks for, it is granted ^{(Luke 11:9-13)}. Jesus even told Peter, “WHEN you have returned to me, strengthen the brethren.” Not “if”, but “when”. Jesus will not cast out all who come to Him with heart and mouth.

For the sons of Promise, the faithful Church, God will never leave nor forsake us. But what about the infidels among whom we dwell? Are they forsaken? It is my honest belief that the promise given Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse those who curse you” is extended to the nation that blesses the sons of God (these are the faithful Church). If a nation fails to bless the begotten children of God, then they will not be blessed. Further, if a nation curses the begotten children of God, then they will be cursed. But the answer of whether or not a nation is utterly forsaken is this: As long as the faithful are present in a nation, there is always a witness of light. And where there is light, there is an opportunity for one to find their way to salvation. Therefore, while the faithful Church remains, a nation is not utterly forsaken ^{(1 Kings 19:18)}. How is this? Because, when the faithful remain, we are called to bless those that curse us, to do good to those who hate us, to pray for those who persecute us.

The forsaking of a nation will only happen when one thing is true – God has removed His Holy Ghost from among them ^{(2 Thessalonians 2:7)}. This can happen several ways, but the evidence of this removal will always be the same:

1. The word of God is diminished or disregarded in the corporate public square (diminished within institutions)
2. The word of God is diminished or disregarded in individual public interaction (diminished in everyday interactions of individuals)

This is why it is imperative that Christians continue to speak – humbly and gently, but unashamedly with unswerving confidence in the words He has given us. Because, like Peter (and Judas for that matter), the forsaking of a nation is directly tied to their mouth and heart confessions. It was true in the Old Testament, and it is still true today ^{(Ezekiel 3:18-21; Acts 18:5-6)}. It is not our place to pronounce final judgment upon a nation ^{(1 Corinthians 5:12-13)}, it is ours to warn and admonish, and to confirm the words through our good works and blessing. Why!? Because Jesus has prayed for many of them, just like He did Peter! ^{(John 17:20-21)}

Think of it this way: if you are still here, confessing Christ, in thought word and deed, then the nation is not utterly forsaken – because if you are here, then Christ is here. Like Lot in the Old Testament, you are that one righteous ^{(2 Corinthians 5:21)} remaining in the city that delays the consuming wrath of God. When God has searched out the city, and removes you, by the hand of His holy Angels, then you may ask the question, “Is the nation now utterly forsaken?” ^{(Revelation 11:11-13)} Until this event, this remains: the longer a nation delays to hear His words through you, the greater the wrath will be revealed upon that nation. It is only when the hope of glory is removed (which is contained in a powerful Holy Ghost filled faithful Church) ^{(Colossians 1:27-28)} that a nation is utterly forsaken.

Keep speaking! Keep loving! Keep hoping!