Recently, I went to the Dentist for my check-up. The office front door was locked! Before I could enter, they “ray-gunned” me for my temperature. Everyone wore a mask, and the office smelled of disinfectants. I had to fill out and sign a legal waiver in case I catch the corona virus. There was no turning back! I prayed to God for protection.

My dental hygienist was nice. She explained how they changed their dental procedures to make it more safe, but that there was still risk. She not only wore a face mask, but also a helmet with flip-down, see-through visor. She looked liked a welder! Please pray for her and others like her. Everyone in the medical profession are on the front line in the fight against the pandemic. God Bless them!

At the end of my visit, the Dentist came in to double-check my hygienist’s work. Before leaving he said, “Keep safe out there in all that craziness.” He was gone before I could think of a Biblical reply. He made me think about all the violence and turmoil we see today. What is the Biblical reply?

My grandfather fought in the American Civil War against slavery. He and his father were both in same regiment, but only he survived the war. Since the war was not all that long ago, I asked God, how many generations before our country can know peace? Punishment for the sins of past generations continue, including those from slavery. The verse from Exodus is clear:

Exodus 34:7 “He shows his faithful love to thousands of people. He forgives people for the wrong things they do, but he does not forget to punish guilty people. Not only will he punish the guilty people, but their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren will also suffer for the bad things these people do.” (ERV)

My understanding is we are forgiven through a saving faith in Jesus Christ, and we are no longer deemed guilty by God. Once forgiven, we are removed from the generational cycle of punishment. Our faith work to our good, and so people in the Church will be spared punishment for past generational sins.

Romans 8:1 “So now anyone who is in Christ Jesus is not judged guilty.” (ERV)

So what does this mean for us today? Unbelievers remain guilty for the sins of past generations. God’s punishment for past sins, continue in all generations down to their great-grandchildren. They will continue to suffer from God’s wrath. Since I am a grandson of a generation who fought a Civil War to end slavery. God’s punishment of the guilty for the past sins of slavery, and all other sins, will continue in our unsaved children. The only way out of the generational cycle of punishment for past sins is through the person of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Then, maybe “all that craziness” will end. Our country needs to turn back to God, if it wants to see peace.

Our God is Holy, Holy, Holy!