If my people…

“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.” - 2 Chronicles 7v14

This promise after the temple was built was a very specific instruction to a very specific people. God was instructing His nation, Israel, on His requirements for national blessing. These are not universal instructions to all people of all time.

We also know that the forgiveness of our sins, and spiritual healing, is not based on what we do, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

However, God does lay out some principles here that He does expect from His people. These are repeated throughout the Old and New Testament,

Humility
Prayer
Seeking God’s face
Repentance

Ephesians tells us that good works do not save us, but we are ordained to do good works. These four requirements for Israel are things that should always characterise our lives.