THE CERTAINTY OF GOD'S PROMISES The power of the promises is seen in the faithfulness of the One Who has made them. It is the God of heaven who "cannot lie." Speaking of the ultimate promise – or all of the exceeding great and precious promises compressed into a single commitment – the Spirit says, "And this is THE PROMISE that he hath promised us, even eternal life" (1 John 2:25). And again, "In hope of eternal life, which God, that CANNOT LIE, promised before the world began" (Titus 1:2). This is the God to whom Jesus is bringing us (1 Pet 3L:18) – the One to whom we have fled for refuge. -- Tomorrow:
"For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (Hebrews 6:13-15).
CONCLUSION
It is written of Him, "He is faithful that promised" (Heb 10:23). Throughout the ages, the saints have so regarded the Lord. It is said of our father Abraham, "And being fully persuaded that, WHAT HE HAD PROMISED, He was able also to perform" (Rom 4:21). Sarah also received strength to bear the child of promise "because she judged HIM FAITHFUL WHO HAD PROMISED" (Heb 11:11). When Moses sought to persuade the Israelites to be obedient, he appealed to God's promise. "Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers HATH PROMISED thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey" (Deut 6:3). When the captain Joshua encouraged his people to fight, he also appealed to God's promises. "One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the LORD your God, He it is that fighteth for you, AS HE HATH PROMISED you" (Josh 23:10). When Zechariah prophesied concerning his son John the Baptist, and the coming of the Christ, he related it to God's promise. "To perform the mercy PROMISED to our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant" (Luke 1:72). In a stirring admonition for believers to keep the profession of their faith the Spirit appeals to God's promise. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that PROMISED" (Heb 10:23). James appealed to the promise of God when urging the saints to endure trials. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath PROMISED to them that love Him" (James 1:12).
The Divine objective of conforming us to the image of God's Son (Rom 8:29) is actually accomplished through the promises of God. They are the appointed means through which we participate in the Divine nature. As it is written, "Whereby are given unto us EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: that BY THESE ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet 1:4). Conformity to Christ's image does not come through the commandments, but through the promises. It is not merely by doing what you are told that Christ is "formed in you" (Gal 4:19). Rather, it is by appropriating what God provides in Christ Jesus.
Although it should not be necessary to say so, this in no way demeans the commandments of God. There simply is no such thing as a salvation that has a disregard for the commandments of the Lord. Where such disregard is found, Satan is ruling the individual. Fulfilling our duty is one thing. Receiving what has been promised is another. Both are essential, but conformity to the image of Christ comes through the latter.
And what of you, child of God? Is it not true: there is no reason not to trust your Lord? Is not the One who made the promise faithful to fulfill it? In its essence, that is what "hope" is – being convinced of the reality of the promise of God, and living in accord with that persuasion. Are you in the process of believing His promises, and through faith and patience are you seeking to obtain them (Heb 6:12)? There is grace for you to do so if that desire is in your heart.
God has extended Himself to convince you of His determination to save those in the Son. He has not only promised, but has undergirded His promise with an oath. He knows that pondering these two immutable things will propel us into the life of faith, and ready us to joyfully meet Him. If He is "willing to show" the heirs the unchangeable nature of His counsel, how will men stand before Him if they insist on living in doubt and unbelief? Does not His willingness confirm His dedication to your salvation?
Your consolation can be "strong," able to hold you up during every assault Satan is allowed to level at you. You can be "filled with all joy and peace in believing," and "abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Rom 15:13). Now, be strong and of good courage! He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 5:4-5).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me grace to be familiar with Your promises, to seek to obtain them, and to anticipate their fulfillment toward me.
-- New Series Monday: THE SAVIOR BECAME LIKE THOSE HE CAME TO SAVE --