II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
We are only one small word away from the Lord healing our land. The word “if” is a simple conjunction that introduces a conditional clause. In this case, it introduces a contingent promise from the Lord Himself. Based on the rules of logic and grammar, the Lord WILL heal our land IF we meet the four conditions outlined in the first half of this verse. If the conditions are met, then the outcome is certain. Yet, meeting the conditions is up to us.
So what happens if we fail to meet those conditions? This verse and the rules of logic and grammar do not prevent the Lord from fulfilling this promise without us. Yet, the use of the word “if” carries with it a strong implication. In fact, Merriam-Webster defines “if” in the following way: it is “used to say that something MUST happen BEFORE another thing can happen. (emphasis added)” In other words, the conditions are necessary for the outcome to be met … if not, then not.
Christians are left with two choices: 1) meet the contingencies and be assured of the outcome, or 2) fail to meet the contingencies and risk an uncertain outcome at best or preclude the outcome at worst. It is far better to travel down the path of “if” instead of risking a continuation of the status quo that is characterized by “if not”.
PLEASE PRAY THAT CHRISTIANS WOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY OUR ROLE IN THE CONTINGENT PROMISES OF GOD. If we meet God’s contingencies, then the Lord promises nationwide revival. If.
