The promises of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, are foundational to the Christian faith, offering assurance, hope, and guidance to believers. These divine promises are woven throughout the Bible, reflecting God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness, and His covenantal relationship with humanity.

Nature and Characteristics of God's Promises

God's promises are characterized by their reliability and truthfulness. Numbers 23:19 affirms, "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" This verse underscores the certainty and trustworthiness of God's word, distinguishing His promises from human assurances.

Covenantal Promises

The Bible records several covenants between God and His people, each containing specific promises. The Abrahamic Covenant, for instance, includes the promise of land, descendants, and blessing. Genesis 12:2-3 states, "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you."

The Mosaic Covenant, given at Sinai, includes promises of blessing for obedience and consequences for disobedience (Exodus 19:5-6). The Davidic Covenant promises an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage, fulfilled ultimately in Jesus Christ (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

Messianic Promises

Central to the Old Testament are the promises concerning the coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophesies, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end."

These promises find their fulfillment in the New Testament with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Covenant, established through Christ's sacrifice, offers the promise of eternal life and reconciliation with God (Hebrews 9:15).

Promises of Salvation and Eternal Life

The New Testament is replete with promises of salvation and eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ. 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 central to the Gospel message, offering hope and assurance of salvation.

Promises of God's Presence and Guidance

Believers are assured of God's continual presence and guidance. Matthew 28:20 records Jesus' promise, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Similarly, Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages trust in God's guidance: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Promises of Peace and Provision

God promises peace and provision to His people. Philippians 4:6-7 offers the assurance of peace: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Additionally, Philippians 4:19 assures believers of God's provision: "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Promises of Strength and Comfort

In times of weakness and trial, God's promises provide strength and comfort. Isaiah 41:10 encourages, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Similarly, 2 Corinthians 12:9 reveals God's promise of sufficient grace: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'"

Promises of Future Glory

The Scriptures also contain promises of future glory and restoration. Romans 8:18 speaks of the hope of glory: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." Revelation 21:4 promises the ultimate restoration: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

The promises of God, as contained in the Scriptures, are a testament to His faithfulness and love, offering believers assurance and hope in every aspect of life.Romans 1:2
(Which he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Authority and Certainty of the Sacred Scriptures
... significations, whether it simply declares anything; or also promises and threatens ...
(ii.) The arguments contained in the ... (iii.) And the internal witness of God. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 1 on the authority.htm

Pelagius' Definition of How God Helps Us: "He Promises us Future ...
... Definition of How God Helps Us: "He Promises Us Future ... than that by the grace whereby
God works within ... the general term "teaching," which is contained in the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 11 x pelagius definition of.htm

The Scriptures
... the Word of God, by the matter contained in it ... has committed to us the sacred Scriptures,
The heathen ... The saints' great charter, where God promises to sprinkle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 the scriptures.htm

The Scriptures.
... that has faith in the things contained in them ... the prophets, and having hope towards
God that there ... believes the Scriptures aright, the promises or threatenings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iii the scriptures.htm

On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... shall come," (Matthew 24:14;) and Christ promises to those ... of God towards us, and
of our duty towards God. ... since both of them are perfectly contained in the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 2 on the sufficiency.htm

The Duty of Searching the Scriptures
... The fountain of God's revealing himself thus to man-kind ... All the threats, promises
and precepts, all the exhortations and doctrines contained therein, all ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the duty of searching the.htm

The Bible in the Days of Jesus Christ
... very earliest days the Torah was reverenced as containing the commandments and promises
of God. ... Thus the whole Scriptures were contained in twenty-four books ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter viii the bible in.htm

Nun.
... shineth in a dark place." [5290] What, therefore, he here saith, "Thy word" is the
word which is contained in all ... For the word of the promises of God is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/nun.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... observe God's faithfulness in keeping his promises and fulfilling ... to be observed:
1. The histories contained in the Bible are the histories of God's providence ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

Faustus's Reasons for Rejecting the Old Testament, and Augustin's ...
... replied: No one doubts that promises of temporal things are contained in the Old ...
And so, while you profess to receive only the new promises of God, you have ...
/.../faustuss reasons for rejecting the.htm

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