The absence of any direct reference to the United States in the Book of Revelation has puzzled many scholars and believers, especially considering the prominent role the U.S. has played in world affairs and its historical foundation on Christian principles. Several theories have been proposed to explain this omission, one of which suggests that the United States may be among the nations devastated by the severe judgments described in Revelation, specifically those affecting a third of the earth.
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The Division of the World into East and West
To understand the potential implications of the judgments in Revelation, it is essential to grasp how the world is generally divided into East and West. This division has both geographical and cultural dimensions:
- Eastern Hemisphere: This generally includes countries in Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. Notable nations in this region are China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
- Western Hemisphere: This typically includes the Americas and parts of Western Europe. Key nations here are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Kings from the East
The Bible specifically mentions the “kings from the East” in the context of the end times. These kings play a significant role in the events leading up to the Battle of Armageddon:
- Revelation 16:12: “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.”
The term “kings from the East” has often been interpreted to refer to powerful nations or coalitions located to the east of Israel. In modern geopolitical terms, this could potentially include countries in Asia. Speculatively, this might refer to nations like China, India, Japan, and other influential Asian countries. These nations, due to their significant military capabilities and strategic locations, are plausible candidates for the kings from the East mentioned in Revelation.
Judgments Affecting One-Third of the Earth
The trumpet judgments in Revelation specifically mention devastating impacts on a third of the earth:
- Revelation 8:7: “The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.”
- Revelation 8:8-9: “The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”
- Revelation 8:10-11: “The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water—the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.”
- Revelation 8:12: “The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.”
These passages describe catastrophic events that devastate significant portions of the earth, which could potentially include the United States. Given the severity of these judgments, it is plausible that a nation like the U.S., known for its power and influence, might be among those heavily impacted.
The Principle of Judgment on Those Given Much
Jesus taught that those who have been given much are expected to steward it wisely. Failure to do so results in severe consequences:
- Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): The servant who squandered his master’s money was punished severely. This parable underscores the principle that greater privilege and responsibility come with greater accountability.
- The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) illustrates the principle of judgment on those who fail to steward what they have been given.
- Teaching on Watchfulness (Luke 12:48): “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Applying this principle to nations, the United States, which has been blessed with wealth, freedom, and a significant Christian heritage, may face severe judgment for squandering these privileges. This aligns with the idea that nations or individuals with greater knowledge of God’s ways bear greater responsibility.
Scholarly Perspectives
While explicit references to the United States in Revelation are absent, some scholars have speculated on America’s fate in the end times. Dr. David Reagan, a well-known prophecy scholar, suggests that America could face severe judgment due to its moral and spiritual decline. He posits that the decline in Christian values and the rise of secularism could lead to the nation’s downfall.
Dr. Thomas Ice, another respected prophecy scholar, argues that the absence of the United States in end-time prophecy could indicate its decline or destruction prior to the events described in Revelation. He notes that the judgments affecting one-third of the earth might imply significant geopolitical shifts, including the potential downfall of powerful nations like the U.S.
The Moral Decline of the United States
Over the generations, the United States has experienced significant moral decline. This shift away from the nation’s Christian roots and principles has manifested in various socially sensitive issues, including:
- Abortion:
- Since the landmark decision in Roe v. Wade (1973), millions of unborn children have been aborted in the U.S. The Bible values human life, and the shedding of innocent blood is a serious offense.
- Proverbs 6:16-17: “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood.”
- Homosexuality and Sexual Immorality:
- The increasing acceptance and legalization of same-sex marriage and various forms of sexual immorality are seen as contrary to biblical teachings.
- Romans 1:26-27: “Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way, the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.”
- Greed and Materialism:
- The pursuit of wealth and material possessions has often taken precedence over spiritual values.
- 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
- Neglect of the Needy:
- Despite its wealth, the U.S. has often neglected the poor and marginalized, failing to live up to the biblical mandate to care for the poor and needy among us.
- 1 John 3:17-18 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
- Divorce:
- The rate of divorce in the U.S. is alarmingly high, reflecting a disregard for the sanctity of marriage.
- Malachi 2:16: “‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the LORD Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.”
- Alcohol and Drug Use:
- Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, has become a significant problem, leading to broken families, health issues, and moral decay.
- Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
- Poor Parenting and Role Modeling:
- The lack of proper parenting and role modeling has led to a generation that is often directionless and morally adrift.
- Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
- Role Reversals Between Men and Women:
- Society has seen a shift in traditional gender roles, often undermining the biblical principles of manhood and womanhood.
- 1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”
- Sexual Exploitation and Pornography:
- The widespread availability and consumption of pornography have contributed to the objectification and exploitation of individuals.
- Matthew 5:28: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
- Violence and Crime:
- Increasing rates of violence and crime reflect a departure from biblical principles of peace and respect for life.
- Genesis 6:11: “Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.”
- Dishonesty and Corruption:
- Corruption and dishonesty in business, politics, and daily life have eroded trust and integrity.
- Proverbs 11:1: “The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
- Idolatry of Entertainment and Technology:
- The obsession with entertainment, social media, and technology often takes precedence over spiritual growth and worship.
- 1 John 5:21: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Conclusion
In summary, the profound moral decline of the United States over the generations, marked by a departure from foundational Christian values, raises significant questions about its fate in the end times. The absence of a direct mention of the U.S. in the Book of Revelation may indicate that the nation could be among those devastated by the catastrophic trumpet judgments that impact one-third of the earth. This aligns with the biblical principle that greater privilege and responsibility come with greater accountability, and the United States, having been blessed with significant resources and influence, may face severe divine judgment for its moral and spiritual failings.
The trumpet judgments described in Revelation depict a series of catastrophic events that bring unprecedented devastation to the earth. Given the severity of these judgments and the United States’ notable moral and spiritual decline, it is plausible that the U.S. could be heavily impacted or even eliminated by these divine judgments. This perspective is supported by some scholars who suggest that America’s decline or destruction could occur prior to the unfolding of the end-time events described in Revelation.
As a nation once rooted in Christian values, the United States has strayed significantly, embracing practices and ideologies that starkly contrast with biblical teachings. This departure from God’s principles may lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of remaining faithful to God’s call. The potential omission of the United States in the prophetic narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the need for national repentance and spiritual renewal.
In conclusion, the possible elimination of the United States in the end times underscores the biblical truth that to whom much is given, much will be required. As believers, we are reminded of the urgency to uphold and live by God’s principles, knowing that His judgment is just and His mercy is profound. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Let this serve as a call to return to the foundational values that once guided the nation, seeking God’s mercy and grace in these critical times.
“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.”
Proverbs 14:34
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New International Version (NIV)
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