Freedom Calls

The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is replete with promises made by a loving and faithful God.

These “exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4) are woven throughout the fabric of scripture, revealing the character of our heavenly Father and establishing a foundation for our faith.

As we delve into these sacred truths let’s explore the myriad promises of God, and prove why He is trustworthy in all things.

The Promises Made to Jesus:

Before any promise was made to us, God first made promises to His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Bible tells us that from the foundation of the world, God had a plan for Jesus and destined Him for glory (Hebrews 1:10-12).

Some of the key promises to Jesus include:

1. The Promise of the Incarnation: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

* Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

* Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being little among the thousands of Judah, out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from old, from everlasting.”

2. The Promise of His Death and Resurrection: “The Son of God…loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

* Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

* Romans 5:18-19 – “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life to all men. For just as through one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also through one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

3. The Promise of His Ascension:

“He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19).

* Acts 1:9-11 – “Now when He had risen early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported it to those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along the road; and they returned to Jerusalem and reported it to all their acquaintances.”

* Hebrews 1:3 – “He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. For having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.”

4. The Promise of His Return:

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with angels unnumbered and in various forms of clouds” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

* Matthew 24:30 – “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”

* Revelation 1:7 – “Behold! He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him.”

The Connection to Us:

As followers of Jesus Christ, we benefit from these promises made to Him in several ways:

1. Salvation: Because Jesus died and rose again for our sins, we can be saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Guidance: As believers, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding us into all truth and leading us on the path of righteousness (John 16:13).

3. Provision: Jesus’ death and resurrection secured our eternal inheritance in heaven, and God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

4. Protection: As children of God, we are protected by the power of God’s love and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who helps us withstand the temptations and trials of this life.

The Trustworthiness of God:

But why can we trust in these promises?

Why does God promise to be with Jesus, guide Him, provide for Him, protect Him, and exalt Him?

* The Character of God: The character of God is unchanging (Numbers 23:19). He is a God who cannot lie or break His word.

* The Nature of God: God’s nature is one of love, mercy, and grace. He desires to bless His Son with all the benefits of His covenant promises.

* The Pattern of God: Throughout the Bible, we find examples of God fulfilling His promises to Jesus, from His miraculous birth to His victorious resurrection.

The Importance of Trust:

These promises made to Jesus serve as a foundation for our trust in God’s faithfulness.

Just as God kept His word to Jesus, He will also keep His word to us:

* “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

* “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Scripture References:

* Hebrews 1:10-12

* John 1:14

* Galatians 2:20

* Mark 16:19

* 1 Thessalonians 4:16

* Ephesians 2:8-9

* John 16:13

* Philippians 4:19

* Numbers 23:19

* 2 Corinthians 1:20

* Romans 8:28

There are many complexities in our hearts and in this “morally broken pain machine” of a world. These exceeding great and precious promises are meant to be our anchor in every storm.

May we rest assured that God is faithful to keep His word, for He is a trustworthy God who loves us with an everlasting love. Look up the Chesed (Hesed) of God. Loving Kindness is all the English language affords this deep and profound eternal grace and truth.

Let us draw near to Him, meditate on His promises, and trust in His goodness to see us through, knowing that the same God who keeps His promises to Jesus will also keep His promises to us.

Christ alone is our solid rock.