When the Lord spoke to Solomon in II Chronicles 7:14, it came after Solomon had prayed (II Chron. 6:12). The Lord appeared unto Solomon and revealed to him that his prayer was heard and that the Lord had chosen this place as a place of sacrifice. (II Chron. 7:12). This place chosen by the Lord for Himself has his name there forever, and His eyes and His heart are also perpetually there. (II Chron. 7:16).
II Chronicles 7:14 is part of the response to the Solomon and is speaking directly to God’s people. Not just any people, but God’s people. I can imagine that a great deal of people would have balked at what the Lord said to Solomon much because they believe, and do so ignorantly, that they are not wicked and therefore have no need to repent. So, instead of repentance they call out to God, only to find later (Great White Throne) that they were not God’s people (saved), and therefore their prayers were an abomination.
Many times I have heard people say they are not bad people and God understands their faults and failures and accepts them for who they are. If this were true (universal acceptance by God of everyone) then why would Jesus have to give His life for the remission of Sin? Why would their be a need for any laws, commandments, doctrine, etc…since man is capable of being accepted regardless of what he has done without the blood of Christ?
Most folks don’t believe they are wicked, yet the bible says “as it is written there are none righteous no not one.” (Romans 3:10). Could it be that we are not revived because a vast majority of those who are calling unto the Lord are not saved and the ones who are saved, are living so wickedly that they cannot see their wickedness? The problem isn’t the world, the problem is God’s people, called by His name. Nobody wants to humble themselves, seek God and pray like He spoke to Solomon about doing. As a result the name of God has since left many churchs and the name ichabod is written over the door post.
Acts 4:12 is a verse that reminds us about who it is we must call upon and only Him, not just for salvation, but for help in this present troubling time. Would you call upon the name of the only name whereby men must be saved?
