Topical Bible: The Promises of God: Are: Obtained Through Faith

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The promises of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, are a central theme throughout the Bible, offering assurance, hope, and guidance to believers. These promises are not merely abstract concepts but are deeply intertwined with the faith of those who seek to receive them. The Bible consistently teaches that faith is the key to obtaining the promises of God, emphasizing a relationship of trust and reliance on His word.

Faith as the Foundation

Faith is the foundation upon which the promises of God are obtained. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are crucial for believers as they navigate the promises of God. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides numerous examples of individuals who, through faith, received God's promises. From Abel to Abraham, each figure exemplifies how faith acts as the conduit through which divine promises are realized.

Abraham: A Model of Faith

Abraham is frequently highlighted as a paragon of faith. In Genesis 15:6 , it is written, "Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's faith was not passive but active, demonstrated by his willingness to leave his homeland and trust in God's promise of a great nation. Romans 4:20-21 further underscores this, stating, "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised."

The Role of Faith in the New Covenant

In the New Testament, the role of faith in obtaining God's promises is further illuminated through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The promise of salvation and eternal life is offered to all who believe in Him. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise is accessible through faith, as belief in Christ is the means by which one receives the gift of salvation.

Faith and the Holy Spirit

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is another promise obtained through faith. Galatians 3:14 states, "He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit." The Holy Spirit empowers believers, guiding them in truth and enabling them to live according to God's will.

Perseverance in Faith

The journey of faith is not without challenges, and perseverance is often required to see the fulfillment of God's promises. James 1:3-4 encourages believers, "because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This perseverance is a testament to the believer's trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem contrary to His promises.

Conclusion

The promises of God are vast and encompass every aspect of life, from provision and protection to eternal salvation. They are obtained through a faith that is steadfast and unwavering, rooted in the assurance of God's character and His word. As believers cultivate a life of faith, they position themselves to receive the fullness of God's promises, experiencing His faithfulness and love in profound ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 11:33
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Inheritance
... with faith and patience obtained the promise, so we should profit by his example.
God has shown us through his covenant with Abraham that what he promises he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter v our inheritance.htm

Prayer and the Word of God
... It is said of the old saints that they, "through faith obtained promises." There
would seem to ... even beyond His promise, into the very presence of God, Himself. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm

Sanctified by Faith
... It can never be obtained any other way ... hand of God to Kadesh Barnea, who had all
the promises of God ... land, their land of rest, their very own; God had promised ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter vi sanctified by faith.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... the greater works for Christ is obtained through prayer and ... to accomplish the works
of God in this ... this present world that such great promises regarding prayer ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

Anti-Methodistic Attitude.
... by their joint prayers, they have advanced the matter and earned and obtained the
Holy ... And this we do for the reason that God in His Word promises to hear ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/anti-methodistic attitude.htm

The Impossibility of Failure.
... them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise
to Abraham, since He ... thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise ...
/.../chapter vi the impossibility of.htm

From Jezreel to Horeb
... Through faith God's children have "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained
promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 12 from jezreel to.htm

Hebrews xi. 7
... These all died in faith," he says, "not having obtained [3239] the promises." At
this ... to make two enquiries; how, after saying that [God] "translated Enoch ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxiii hebrews xi 7.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... reformers, and martyrs, who, through praying, "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the ... Prayer puts God in the matter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

On Justification
... promise of the new covenant, in which God promises that he ... be at the close of life,
when God will grant ... Christ has not obtained by his merits that we should be ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlviii on justification.htm