Category Archives: Third Baptism-New Testement

ETERNAL SECURITY (Once Saved Always Saved)

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Sorry but the video is said to be too large to download on this site- even though is only about 37 min. I may re-film this content in a few less min.

      ETERNAL SECURITY  -Once Saved Never Lost

       Can a Christian lose his or her salvation? This subject is critically important for one simple reason- we all sin. But each phrase centers on these questions: What happens when believers sin or backslide? Can a person’s sins or failures result in the loss of salvation?

      John 10:22-30 is a key New Testament passage on the security of the believer, However, before going there let’s look at a verse that years ago led me to the understanding of and the great value of the Holy Spirit. It is Jude 24!

       When people come to know Christ as their Savior, they are brought into a relationship with God that guarantees their eternal security. Jude 24 declares, “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.” God’s power is able to keep the believer from falling. It is up to Him, not us, to present us before His glorious presence. Our eternal security is a result of God keeping us, not us maintaining our own salvation. This verse has helped me to know that I can count on, believe in, trust in, and always call on the Holy Spirit. There can be no misunderstanding in what it says. If we are baptized in the Spirit, keep Him close to us- He will keep us from stumbling and present us blameless before the presence of God.

                                                       JUDE 24-25

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

       The word of the Father reinforces Christ’s words and work: “God’s gifts and His and His call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29) and the inheritance He gives “can never perish, spoil, or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-5). God assures believers that Jesus will “keep us firm to the end” (1 Cor.1:7-9) and that He is able to “present” us “without fault” in that final day (Jude 24). For God’s purpose to be thwarted by human weakness or fickleness would make God’s word dependent on human actions.

         Then we move on to the key promise of eternal life- John 10:28-29. The Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29b). Both Jesus and the Father have us firmly grasped in their hand. Who could possibly separate us from the grip of both the Father and the Son?

                                    JOHN 10:28-29

28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[a]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

       Someone may say about this verse 28- that says “no one” can snatch the believer out of Salvation-that they say what about the person themselves -can they “snatch themselves out of eternal salvation? What they seem to forget or dismiss is verse 29 where it says that the Father has given the believer into Jesus’ hand. That says the believer is from the one who is “greater than all” and then no snatching is possible. The question then becomes- “Do we believe the Bible”? Or is this the case where you just add your own interpretation that ignores the total context of the Bible?

Humans many times take a Bible verse out of context and those changes make the meaning something different than what it was meant to say or what our Lord says it means. We always need to read verses in the context of what God intends, More than that- humans often put their own belief on a Bible verse. So, what John 10:28-29 states “if a believer is in God’s hand (a true believer) – no one- not even the one’s whose eternal salvation may be in question- can take that salvation. Thus, some say the one who is NOT the “person permanently saved” can lose their salvation by them being the one who is rejecting it. But that person is also a “no one”. So, Jesus is making no exceptions- “no one” in John 10:28 is everyone and “no one” can snatch them out of the hands of God.

The Protection of Eternal Life. Jesus words in 10:28, 29 paint a picture of believers being held in His hand. This is a tremendous image of security.

                    EPHESIAN 4:30

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

       Ephesians 4:30 tells us that believers are “sealed for the day of redemption.” If believers did not have eternal security, the sealing could not truly be unto the day of redemption, but only to the day of sinning, apostasy, or disbelief. John 3:15-16 tells us that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will “have eternal life.” If a person were to be promised eternal life, but then have it taken away, it was never “eternal” to begin with. If eternal security is not true, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error.

       This goes right in line with Matthew 12:31-32, where Jesus says that the unpardonable sin is to blasphemy the Holy Spirit. Regarding the Spirit’s confirmation, Ephesians 1:13 says “When you believed, you were marked in Him with a zeal, the promised Holy Spirit”. Paul states the Spirit serves us as a mark of permanence and security in our lives- a guarantee that the Christian’s destination will not be interrupted.

                                  Matthew 12:31-32

 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.       

         This reaffirms that as long as a person has not blasphemy but received salvation and is “sealed” with the Holy Spirit- it will be forever. What this is saying in essence, is we are “lost forever” if we never accept Jesus. And we do not blasphemy the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Savior and are sealed in baptism with the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:7-8).

            So, we look at likely the most spoken verse in the Bible   John 3:16.

                                      John 3:15-16

  15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”  16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

       This verse clearly states that all who believes shall NOT perish but have eternal life. So, we either believe what the Bible states or we try to interpret verses on our own. This goes right back to does the person truly believe or were they not serious. This tells us if we truly believe we have eternal life with God.

                                     Romans 8:35

. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (New Living Translation)

       This statement sets the stage for Romans 8:38-39. Paul writes that we must never interpret the darkness of earthly life as evidence of God’s lack of love for us. Nothing we do can keep Christ from loving us, and nothing that happens to us can mean that Christ no longer loves us. And all the previous verses tell us because of God’s love He will provide eternity.

                              Romans 8:38-39

        Then the most powerful argument for eternal security is Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Our eternal security is based on God’s love for those whom He has redeemed. This states nothing can separate us from God’s love and eternal salvation. Our eternal security is purchased by Christ, promised by the Father, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Our security is not in our ability to hold on to Christ’s hand but in His ability to hold us in His. In case, you did not catch this last thought- The Trinity seals us to Him (Ep. 4:30 and Ep. 1:13).

                                Hebrews 10:10

10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

      The doctrine of the believer’s security does not rest just on Christ’s words in this one passage in Romans. All three members of the Godhead are involved in salvation, and Jesus’ perfect, one-time work to atone for all sin (Hebrews 10:10) is the basis for that assurance. Believers cannot save themselves or keep themselves saved, only the collaboration work of the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit can do that. So, we need to stop thinking we are the ones who has any real part in getting our salvation or in keeping it. We don’t earn our salvation, but once we use our free choice to claim Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the Father assures that we retain this salvation. This free choice by the true believer must be real so he will know how grow in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

       Anyone who treats the security of a believer as an insurance policy so that they can sin without consequences probably does not know the Lord to begin with That is simply not the heart of a born-again follower of Christ. As Paul said, “We are died those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer” (Rom. 6:2)? Or in James’ words, “Faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). True faith results in a transformed life.

       Those who have truly known the forgiveness of their sins and are in the habit of thanking God for His love will not use their forgiveness and salvation as a license to sin. True believers in Christ look for ways to exploit their promised salvation.

       The proof of eternal life: (John 10:27)27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me”, gave rise to the Puritan theologians to the two marks of Christ’s sheep: the marks on the ear (“My sheep listen to my voice”) and the mark on the foot (“they follow me”). Just as cattle are branded today to identify their owner, so followers of Jesus are “branded” by these two truths: A true Christian is one who listens to the words of Jesus and who follows Him.

      Practically speaking, that means when we read the Word of God, a spirit of agreement and of formation will well up in our hearts. We will embrace what we read, not resist it. We will affirm its truth and look for ways to apply it in our lives. We will want to follow Him. And when we fail, we will want to repent and seek His forgiveness. No true believer will be comfortable unless he or she is following Jesus.

GOD’S TIMING- IS IT YOUR’S?

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Read this article and/or go to the bottom to watch the video.

There is a pointed story about God’s timing. It seems there was a young man who asked God if His second of time is like a million years to us? God’s reply was a simple- Yes! Then the young man asked God if a penny to Him was really like a Million dollars to us? Again, God’s answer was a straight-forward- Yes! So, the young man thought a moment, then he asked God if he (the young man) could get a penny from God? God’s answer this time was a few more words. God said that the young man could have one of His pennies in one of His seconds.

       It seems clear that to understand God’s timing- no matter when we make that attempt- we must know His timing is different than ours. This says we may always expect something from God that does not fit our schedule. So, does this mean when we pray for something, we will never know when God’s answer will come? Our timing is never God’s timing, and God’s timing is never early and it’s never late. Patience comes when we learn to trust God. God’s Word provides nearly 3,000 promises. Promises that we can claim, and that we can stand on, and that our timing is never God’s timing.  Which has nothing to do with whether we will get an answer to our prayers- if ever. First of all, I believe God will always answer our prayers we just don’t know how or when. Secondly, God will answer all of our prayers to fit His Will-not ours. Regardless of God’s timing, this tells us to always seek His Will with our requests to God. To know how to pray in God’s Will is another subject for another time although you may get things out of God’s Will without really knowing how to pray in God’s Will. But let us go to back to try understanding His timing.

      “God loves you and promises to answer the needs of your prayers. But that does not meet He will give you everything you want when you want it. If He did give you everything you wanted when you wanted it, after a while God would become second place in your life and what you got would become most important- not God. Also, He does not do those things for the simple reason is that somethings we ask for are not in His Will. If it is not good for us, He is not going to give it to us.” (Dr. Charles Stanley) Is it possible to get some things that are not in God’s Will? Yes, you may be able to do something to get the thing or things that are not in God’s Will but there can be consequences. However, the issue is not that God doesn’t want you to have these things; it may be that the timing is not right. God knows when you and I are ready for a particular blessing that we desire maybe with all of our heart and our desired timing is just not the best time. We may not be ready for it, or it would cause more concern for us at the time we want it. Timing is extremely important to God. This gets back to the real issue of this writing- What is God’s timing and how do we know it!!

       God knows your life from beginning to end. God has His own schedule. What we desire may be just the thing that God wants for us, but it needs to wait for something to happen first. He knows exactly where you are at any moment, and He knows exactly where you are going to be cause knows when you will best be ready for that big desire you have. So, to give you your desire when you are not ready for it would not be an act of love on His part.  Many times, it is our unwillingness to wait for the best timing that gets us into trouble, causes great confusion and/or the loss of God’s best blessings in our life. There is a powerful verse of scripture in Isaiah that talks about waiting for God’s timing. Isaiah 64:4: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” This means that God is a personal God. He knows every one of us and everything about us because He is omniscient (knows everything always). God acts in our behalf because He is willing to become involved in every aspect of our life. So, acting in my behalf, He will bring about those things that are good for me. He will act in such a way to bring about His Will and purpose. As long as we are one of His children (believing totally in Him, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) He will be there to give us guidance and direction that will not fail. If we are willing to wait on Him, I will be willing to receive God’s best for me at the right time.

       When we are comforted with these situations of wanting and seeking God’s timing, we have three choices.

     1. We can attempt to manipulate the circumstances and that is an attempt to do the same with God. This means we try to go around things and work all kinds of deals to get the timing we want. Maybe it is using a credit card to get that desire well beyond your means. This also gets you into spiritual debt. This really is disobedience to God and there are consequences that are likely to cause many more problems than we even perceive. So, when we act in this manner, we have unforeseen problems and now God may never want to give us that blessing at all- ever. This is totally unnecessary! God wants you to be free and not in spiritual debt and to provide you what you need.

     2. You can say that since God did not answer my prayers, I will just quit and walk away from God. Maybe it is about a job or opportunity that your prayer is not being answered in the time you feel it needed to or you are not getting the answer you wanted in the timing you wanted. You could just forget that opportunity forever, but it is one that God had prepared for you in His timing. Some of the best things in life we may need to wait the longest for. If we are the type of person who feels that we must have this thing in our timing or it is just not worth the wait, we are likely to miss out on God’s greatest blessings.

     3. I can wait, and watch God work in my behalf. Give God a chance and watch what He does. Given time, God knows exactly what He is doing. We just need to watch and wait to see the marvelous things He can and will do. God knows your situation and how you got there. He knows how to change circumstances, if needed, to do it the best way for your situation. To do it His way!!! Then you will be in a position to get the best option available that you may not even knew of its existence if you had done it on your own. Then you can give God the thanks for it.  

       We must not be in a hurray and always want to just move, move, move. That is no way to live a godly life. So, what are the requirements for waiting on God’s timing?

  1. Trust- if we don’t trust Him, we will not obey Him. Sing the hymn “Trust and Obey” for there is no other way! We must trust if we want God’s best. God doesn’t say we will always like it, He doesn’t say we will always understand, He doesn’t say we will not prefer another way, but He needs to do it His way- even if He says NO! This is true no matter what you have been through or are now going through. Because He loves you perfectly and unconditionally. He is the same awesome God no mater where you are in your journey.
  2. Humility- If you don’t trust Him, we are saying I know better than God. What we know is like one grain of sand compared to all the grains of sand in the world. We must not think we know a lot and of course, nowhere near what God knows. To think more highly of one’s knowledge is pride. We must have a humble spirit. That is not a weak spirit but one that looks to God for knowledge – like Solomon, for faith and obedience like Joseph and Abraham, for dedication like David, for always giving the Good News like Paul, but mostly for redemption, forgiveness, and love like Jesus.
  3. Patience- we must wait for God in all things. Don’t be in a hurray to go our own way- always go God’s way. Wait for further direction from God. Often Job is used as an example of patience. Here is where the longer waits could be needed, and patience is required. Must ask yourself: Is what I am waiting for worth the wait? No one can tell you that but you. A suggestion is to go to God in prayer for that answer. It could come very quickly while you wait. At least you are seeking further help from God. If the ultimate thing for which you are waiting has high value to you and to God, He will provide His answer- just be patient. Because God will provide exactly what He has in mind for you and it will be something that blesses you even more than you originally thought.
  4. Courage- It takes courage to wait for God. A. The temptation to follow your schedule versus God’s must be avoided. B. We must avoid the temptation of the pressure from others. C. Void the temptation to be afraid because God is with you. God knows how to defend you.

       We have a choice. We can do it your way or wait for God’s perfect timing. Consequences of doing it our way by failing to wait. 1. We step out of the will of God. We lose God’s direction and blessings. It is a rebellion against God. 2. It will delay His blessings. It may even forbid forever His blessing. 3. We bring pain and suffering upon ourselves. There are several cases in the Bible where people brought pain and suffering upon themselves when God tried to prevent them. 4. It causes confusion. When we try it on our own, we mess up the situation and causes confusion for all involved not just you. Many times, the situation is now uncorrectable. 5. We cause heartache and suffering for others. It can be a big stumbling block for others even in becoming a Christian.

        We need to follow God in all things and seek His Will in all things. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit who walks with us daily. It needs to be our heart’s desire to obey God, that you try to follow Him, you try to listen to Him and not make decisions without talking to Him and pray this prayer: “God speak to my heart, help me to listen to you and to know the truth.” God will listen to that short simple prayer, if you are a true believer in Christ and have asked for forgiveness of your sins. If we believe in Go”, we will obey Him in all things.

      What should we expect if we wait on God’s timing?

  1. He will express His goodness toward us. Lamentations 3:25-26: The Lord is good to the person who seeks (waits for) Him. It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.  
  2.   He will answer our prayers. Psalm 40:1-3: I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me and heard my cry. And brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.
  3. We will see the fulfillment of our faith. Isaiah 49:23: Those who hopefully wait for me will not be put to shame. God takes our mistakes and turns them around.
  4. He will enable us to win over the struggles of life. Psalm 37:9: For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land. Palm 37:34: Wait for the Lord and keep His way, and He will exalt you inherit the land.
  5. He will give us peace. Philippians 4:4-7: Rejoice in the Lord always again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men, the Lord is nearby. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

   Trust and obey Him. The awesome loving Father will work for you and act in your

    behalf personally.

                        Thanks to Dr. Charles Stanley and the Holy Spirit

        Other Top Bible Verses about God’s Timing in Scripture

    John 6:54: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will   

          raise them up at the last day.”

      John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

      Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall

           mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall

           walk and not faint.

      Habakkuk 2:3 “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak,  

          and not lie, though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not    

          tarry.”

      Ecclesiastes 3:1 “A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time  

          to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.”

IS THERE A SIN THAT GOD CANNOT FORGIVE?

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**Read the article and/or go to the bottom and watch the video

Most of the time this question is asked when the person thinks they have committed a grievous sin that certainly God can’t forgive. They even think they can’t even forgive that sin themselves. Many times, these people are not very close to God, but they are either trying to get closer to God or they are just beginning to think seriously about their salvation. Of course, they may be “lost” and don’t have any idea how to deal with that situation. Something likely has recently happened so profound that the thinking goes to a situation that certainly is out of the ordinary. That profound occurrence may be a challenge to our normal lifestyle or not part of what we believe. There is a story in the Bible that fits this description perfectly.

       The story is about a man who was possessed by a demon. The Book of Mark relates this story in many details. Out of this story comes three extremely prominent opinions about Jesus and who He really is.  These three opinions are that Jesus was 1) out of His mind, 2) an unreasonable radical, or 3) ruled by demons.

       Mark 3:20-21 states, “20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. 21 When his family[a] heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” It is said here that family thought Jesus was crazy. When this news got back to His family that they wanted to get to Him and take control of Him because they were convinced He was “out of His mind”. What about others who were not His family?

        Mark 3:22, “22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” Here those described as teachers thought Jesus to be a radical. These people thought Jesus was possessed- a demon Himself.  This opinion originated due to their thoughts that Jesus was acting like a demon when He cast out a demon. Then we see the third opinion in the Book of Matthew.

        Matthew 12:22-24 states, “22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” The Pharisees clearly felt that Jesus was the ruler of demons- Beelzebub Himself. They felt Jesus had the demonic power of Satan. As usual, Jesus had an answer to these terrible opinions, but also as usual, Jesus was NOT upset. He had strong, brilliant comments.

       Mark 3:23 begins Jesus’ answers, 23 So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? So, Jesus was telling them His answer by asking another question – a habit that Jesus used often. So, He asked: Are you saying that Satan casts out Satan? This was Jesus’ secular answer. Jesus deals with the kingdom issue in Mark 3:24, “24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand”. Jesus is saying that a kingdom divided against itself is doomed and can’t stand. This is clearly stating that nations and secular organizations must not be divided. This, by the way, is a warning for all nations and countries to be united. America today is quickly failing to be united on almost all issues and God’s judgment may be close at hand. Then Jesus turns to the social and spiritual answers in the next two verses in Mark.

       Mark 3:25 says, “25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”

  This is Jesus’ social answer to demon situation. It states that a house or family need to be united and not against family members.

       Mark 3:26, 26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.”  This the spiritual answer from Jesus. It says that it is spiritually impossible for Satan to be divided from himself. So, Jesus provides the proof that He cannot be Satan if Jesus eliminates demons. Because He healed the demon possessed the man and drove the demon out of the man. This says that Satan cannot divide himself from himself- a demon.

       Mark 3:27, “27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.” Jesus gives us some very good insight with this quote. A strong man must be bound to overcome him. So, Jesus reasons that the most terrible beast (Satan) flees at the appearance of Jesus. After the demon was removed from the man, the man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go tell others. The demon could not get back into the man because of the appearance and presence of Jesus. So, we learn that with Jesus us in us Satan flees and can’t get to us. The Apostle John reconfirms this in 1 John 4:4, 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” To followers of Jesus, He is divine. We must believe that Jesus is God, the Son of God.

        Then Mark records an answer to our question about is there a sin that cannot be forgiven. Mark 3:28-30, 28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, 29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” 30 He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” This is also recorded in Matthew 12:32, “Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.” This is saying that the one who blasphemes or speaks against the Holy Spirit has an unclean spirit, a sinner uncleaned, and that person is doomed for eternity.

      So, back to our original question-“What is the unpardonable Sin?” Let’s start with, “What it is Not!” It is not cursing Jesus, adultery, murder, nor even suicide and many others. “What is it?” It is rare, it is rehearsed, it is repeated sin by some religious leaders of Jesus’ day. They kept it up by rejecting Jesus over and over. To be specific, it was religious sin by Scribes. They were denying the deity of Jesus. This very different from a person today who is anxious over a sin they have committed and may think that is the unpardonable sin. However, this anxiety is not that one that is unpardonable because they are not denying that sin- just concerned over it.

         Harden your heart against God and then God’s word makes no impact on us. We must believe in Jesus, who He is, that He died for our sins, and was resurrected. Then we must invite Him into our heart. Death makes it final for us if we confess and believe before that death. So, Believe!!!! We have been forgiven for all our sins. Romans 3:23, “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”. This tells us that All – not just some but all- have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So. ALL must confess our sins and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Thanks to Dr. David Jeremiah and The Holy Spirit

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT

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Promises, Promises! How often have you heard that and nothing is fulfilled. I heard a recent Christmas story. It seems a six-year-old boy went to see Santa and had a question for him. While sitting on Santa’s lap, Santa asked the normal question: Sonny, what do you want for Christmas? Instead of answering this question, the little boy had a question for Santa. He asked if Santa was running for Congress. Santa wanted to know why the boy would ask that question. The little said that Santa was like a person in Congress- because Santa always delivered less than what he promised. Even as much as most like the concept of a Santa who brings gifts, we learn to appreciate the person who always helps people and always keeps their promises. Well, that is God. I have heard that God has made 5,450 promises. No, I didn’t count them. However, while maybe half of them has already been fulfilled, there are still the other half of these promises that God will keep. God always keeps His promises. Let’s look at many of those Promises that God made that has fulfilled.

            Genesis 9:8-17 and 12 God’s Early Promises

       God promised to Noah that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. As a token of His promise, He made the rainbow. Even though the rainbow is a natural phenomenon today, it must be remembered that it had never rained before this event. God watered the earth with water from beneath. There was never a chance before the flood for there to have ever been a rainbow. It is easy to see the comparison with Jesus Christ as the Redeemer. In Noah’s day people were called to turn from their sins and return to God. When they refused to enter the ark (a sign of trusting God’s Word), they were destroyed in the flood. Today, we are called to repent of our sins and accept Christ as our Savior. Those who have not accepted the Lord will be lost to a Christ-less eternity.

      Another question fits here: How would God bring salvation to a lost, scattered humanity? God could have rescued people from sin any way He wanted, but after using Noah where it seems all have been destroyed by the flood, He chose to make a promise and work with one man, Abram and his descendants. God decided to choose a people for Himself who would do His work of evangelism in the world. So. our story of God’s planned promise for that one man begins in Genesis 12.

God’s Story is one of divine provision for human need and people’s response to that provision. Our greatest need is to be restored to a vibrant relationship with God. This should help us decide whether we are fully willing to trust and obey God. Abram, later to be renamed Abraham, had the same choice. When God called him, Abram moved out in faith from UR to Haran and finally to Canaan. God then established a covenant with Abram, telling him that he would found a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, God said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram’s descendants. Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow God and influence those with whom it came in contact. Through Abram’s family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a personal relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure. God promise to Abraham was completed.

       The concept of covenant was not new, and it continued promises from God. God made a covenant with Noah before the flood, If he would trust God and come into the ark, then God would preserve his family through the flood (6:18). God made another covenant after the flood: He would never again destroy the earth and life upon it by a flood (9:11). In the first instance the covenant was conditional upon the people sharing in it. The second was an unconditional promise. God’s covenant with Abram had a new and distinctive dimension. God was seeking a faithful people through whom He could do a redemptive work in the world. God promised to bless Abram, but God had one condition: Abram had to do what God wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land where God promised to build a great nation from Abram’s family. This same condition was repeated by Jesus when He told the disciples and all others to leave their homes and follow Him. How would we respond to these conditions? (We would be very reluctant at best! It would certainly take a lot of faith.) Abram obeyed, walking away from his home for God’s promise of even greater blessings in the future.

       God may be trying to lead us to a place of greater service and usefulness for Him. The challenge for anyone faced with that type of decision is to not let the comfort and security of one’s present position make one miss God’s plan for them. So, God called Abram to enter into covenant with Him and to become the originator and ancestor of a nation of people who would live in covenant with God. That was a major promise.

Exodus 14:5-6, 13-14, 21-26 God Delivers Another Promise

Think about what our life would be like if God delivered only judgment and not mercy. We are offered God’s mercy just as was the Israelites. As God’s Story continues, the Israelites will experience God’s continued mercy firsthand. Because the Pharaoh decided to go to bring Israel back, he experienced God’s judgment. Pharaoh had not only given Israel permission to go but had ordered them to go. As Pharaoh received reports of the lack of progress on the work that the Israelite “slaves” had been doing, he realized that their departure had done away with the major source of cheap labor. The economic consequences began to sink in and both Pharaoh and his people regretted releasing the Hebrews from slavery. Also, upon hearing that the Israelites were wandering aimlessly, the Pharaoh saw his opportunity to pursue them. The Pharaoh’s intent was to capture them and bring them back using a fast moving chariotry that could overtake the Hebrews.

       Upon learning the Egyptians were in hot pursuit, the Hebrews were losing faith. Moses showed strong leadership when the Israelites complained against him about leading them out of Egypt. Some had convinced themselves they were better off serving the Egyptians. However, Moses calmed the people by promising them they would “never see again” the Egyptians and told them they that the “Lord will fight” for them. Moses was introducing the Hebrews to the concept of holy war- the idea that Yahweh, the Lord of all the earth, would intervene on behalf of His people to deliver them from oppression of heathen armies. The “salvation” of which Moses spoke was used in the sense of military victory. The biblical concept of salvation moves forward from this early meaning to the latter one of spiritual deliverance from sin and death. So, Moses confidently predicate that God was going to win a mighty victory over Pharaoh and that after this, Egypt would no longer be a problem to Israel. This would become a forerunner of God’s promise to be delivered at the time of the Second Coming.

       Why do we sometimes miss “the seas God parts for us”? First, what do you think this means? (It points to the help or solutions that God provides for us.) There was apparently no way of escape, but the Lord opened up a dry path through the sea. Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a problem and see no way out. This story tells us not to panic; God can open up a way- because God’s promises to take care of us who are true believers. The God who created the earth and water performed a mighty miracle at exactly the right time to demonstrate His great power and love for His people.  The Egyptian followed the Israelites to the Red Sea, and they started using the dry path to catch Moses and his group. The power of God intervened and told Moses to raise his staff to bring the water back over the Pharaoh and his chariots. All of the Egyptians were destroyed by water burial of the Red Sea. It has been reported a few years ago that many of the Egyptian’s chariots and weapons were found on the bottom of the Red Sea. The God of Israel (our own true God) had defeated the gods of Egypt. God delivered the Israelites and deliverance is an important feature of God’s Story. So, God is showing His care for His people, His judgment on those who oppressed His people, and His deliverance of His people. This vital relationship between God and His people serves as the central core of God’s Story and His promises, which continues as we enter into this vital relationship of faith.

                              Exodus 29:43-46 Encounter God’s Presence

Now God promised to manifest His presence among the people. Thus, the tabernacle would become the place where Israel’s God revealed Himself and lived among His people. Moreover, God desired for His people to encounter His presence. God Told Moses He would meet with the Israelites at the tabernacle (tent of meeting). The term “meet” carried the idea of an appointment, a set time when people would gather to hear God’s words. As a result of God’s presence, the place would be consecrated, literally “made holy” by God’s glory. God promised the full weight of His majesty on behalf of the people as they met to praise and to thank Him for all He had done for them.

       God promised to consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. By consecrating, or making things holy, God was instructing what was done there would be acceptable to Him. God also promised to consecrate Aaron and his sons. The priesthood belonged to Aaron and his descendants, as part of God’s ordained purposes for them to serve as priests. However, it is imperative for us to note that Moses, the priests, and Israel were just going through the symbols. The actual consecration of both objects and persons was done by God. His grace made them effective. The purpose of this ritual and this consecration was that God would “dwell among the people of Israel” (v. 45). This ritual was to help them know that He was the God who had redeemed them from Egypt. The final phrase “I am the Lord their God” (v. 46) is uniquely a covenant phrase. Because they were His people through the Exodus and the covenant, they had a special ritual of worship. Why is encountering God’s presence regularly with other believers so important? (Sharing His love, care and promise.)

        2 Samuel 7:11b-17 Establishing an Eternal Kingdom

In a reversal to what David wanted to do for the Lord, the Lord, in these verses, promises “will make a house for you (David)” (v. 11b). Of course, the word “house”, in this case, refers to David’s dynasty. This continues God’s covenant He had made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all His people who had been part of the covenant community in the past. David was not perfect (as we are Not), but he was loyal to God (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). The ancient promise to the patriarchs was to find their fulfillment in David. But a new element appears here too. Nathan, from the Lord, promised that David would have that which Saul wanted desperately (1 Sam. 20:31) but did not achieve- a succession of descendants on his throne, a dynasty (2 Sam. 7:11). This promise to David is a promise from which all Christians benefit today and until Christ’s return.

       By this time these events were written, this promise had become fact. These verses were recorded to explain how the dynasty came to be- and why it should be viewed as divinely ordained. The prophecy did not specify which son would follow David, but the Historian writer knew that Solomon was that person. Solomon was authorized to build the house for God that was denied David (v. 13), because David had shed so much blood and waged great wars (1 Chon. 22:6-16). So, in these verses God repeated His promise to David to establish his son’s kingdom forever, using the phrase “the throne of his kingdom”. Three of Jesus’ claims about Himself alluded to verse13. First, Jesus said He would build a temple (John 2:19-22).  Second, Jesus told Pilate His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). Finally, Jesus said His kingdom was eternal (Luke 22:29-30). So, this glimpse into God’s greater purpose was a major turning point in God’s Story. In what ways does this affect one’s personal walk with God? (First, when God repeats something (as He did here), He means it and we need to listen. Then this was a clear promise that God would be with us all the way to eternity, especially since we have Jesus’ words.) 

       Here God is promising His Eternal Kingdom.

                 Jeremiah 29:10-14 The Promise of God

God continued to carry out His plan for His people. God is sovereign and faithful –and here the focus is on how God kept His promise to restore a “remnant”. This is the remnant that returns from a 70-year exile in Babylon to rebuild the temple. Scholars differ on the exact dates of this 70-year period in Babylon. However, it seems most likely to refer to the 70 years between the fall of Assyria and the fall of Babylon (609-539 BC). This seems to be what Jeremiah was saying when he connected the 70 years to Babylon (v.10). But some can make a good case for time being 586-516 BC, the overlapping period that Jerusalem was without a temple. Remember, the temple was the visible symbol of God’s presence. Regardless, all agree that God sent His people to Babylon for a long time, not the short captivity predicted by the false prophets. Jeremiah, in verses 5-9, encourages the “remnant” to prepare for the 70-year exile by building houses, plant gardens, marry, raise children, allow the children to marry, seek Babylon’s welfare (while they were in that land), and finally not to heed the false prophets and diviners. Jeremiah knew the long exile would take its toll on the Jews if they did not try to live as normal lives as possible- because many of them would not live to return from exile. Why do you think it was important that God told Jeremiah the length of the exile? (Think about sitting in constant preparation, likely doing nothing, for a return trip to Jerusalem.)

           So why 70 years?  First, the land (Jerusalem) would have a Sabbath rest (2 Chron. 36:21) – after being “destroyed”. Second God would then “attend to” and “confirm” His “promise” to the people (v.10). God would visit His people and also would confirm His promise, literally His good Word. Notice “you” is plural in verse 10, as God spoke through Jeremiah to His people, not to an individual. The promise was to restore them “to this place” – Jerusalem. We are all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task given and who will be with us all the way. God is that kind of leader. He knows the future and His plans for us are good and full of hope. The “remnant” was being prepared for the heart of God’s Story- the earthly presence of Jesus.

          God did not forget His people, even though they were captives in Babylon. He planned to give them a new beginning with a new purpose- to turn them into new people. In times of dire circumstances, it may appear as though God has forgotten us. But God may be preparing us, as He did the people of Judah, for a new beginning with Him at the center. They could call upon Him with confidence. Although the exiles were in a difficult place, they need not despair because they had God’s presence, the privilege of prayer, and God’s grace. If we seek Him wholeheartedly, He will be found. Neither a strange land, sorrow, perception of problems, nor physical difficulties can break our fellowship with God. We know God restored the “remnant” and He will restore us when we search for Him with all our hearts.  

                This is yet another promise filled in God’s Story.

              Isaiah 9:6-7 Jesus Promised to Us 

As we read in the last section, Isaiah predicted the coming of God’s Son. Isaiah’s prophecy in 9:1-7 was a beacon of hope penetrating deep darkness. God promised to send a light “who” would shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. Isaiah told of God’s promise likely around 730 BC- over seven hundred years before it happened. This prophecy came during the pending attack of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians. Isaiah also had prophesied that Judah’s (Southern Kingdom) destruction would NOT be complete, but the nation’s life would be threatened severely. God said it was time to give His people a promise of hope for the ages. Isaiah presents the events as if it were the time of the child’s arrival (a child will be born for us and a son will be given to us) with an exception of what He will achieve (v. 7), when he says “… there shall be no end” and “from now on and forever”.

Do you know where and by whom the words of verse 6 (of chapter 9) were made famous today? (Handel’s Messiah musical.) One of my many blessings in serving the Lord was when I had the great honor to lead the choir in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1964 in this marvelous music (while serving in the Air Force). I believe that was one of the major reasons that I have such a fondness for the Book of Isaiah and just had to lead in its study recently. The significance of the promised names in verse 6 relates to those names for God we have studied this month. First, we are told a child would be born to us that would fulfill the promise- not adopted, not grown from an earthly king, and not appointed. To be a “Wonderful Counselor”, He is one who is able to make wise plans and whose wisdom is far beyond human capabilities. To be a “Mighty God”, He is a mighty or heroic warrior, capable of unsurpassed strength or power to accomplish His purposes and promises.  As the “Eternal Father”, He possesses constant love, concern, and provision for His people to fulfill His caring and endless rule. Then finally, the “prince of Peace” tells us of the absence of hostilities but much more than that. It means “completeness”, “soundness”, and ‘welfare”, with health and prosperity included. John 10:10 gives us the promise of a full, rich, joyful life that Jesus gives.

Can there be any doubt that Isaiah was predicting and promising the coming of Jesus? Most of the attention by many concerning Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah centers on Isaiah 53, and certainly it is well-deserved. However, Isaiah tells all of the coming of the Messiah all through his book and no more evident than in Chapter 9. God promised that Jesus’ rule would be “vast” and it would increase as He reigns forever. The last part of verse 7- “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts” ensured the messianic reign would become a reality, where “zeal” means a “glowing fire” and conveys deep feelings. The term “Lord of Hosts” refers to God as the Commander of Heaven’s armies, and heavenly bodies (Rev. 19:14 “the armies of Heaven”).

                   Matthew 1:18-21 Jesus Comes

It is easy to turn the pages of our Bible from Isaiah’s prophecy of the “birth of the child” to Matthew’s account of actual birth of Jesus. Most of the time we read Luke 2:1-14, what we have called the true “Christmas Story”. However, Matthew 1:1-17 carefully trances the lineage from Abraham through David to Joseph. This stressed that Jesus was related to all people by including Rahab and Ruth. This Son of David fulfilled God’s promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 that I mentioned last week, and of course it fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. Matthew also clearly defines Mary and Joseph’s situation that led up to the birth of Jesus. Matthew tells us Mary had been engaged to Joseph before the pregnancy by the Holy Spirit. The Greek term “engaged” means betrothal. Betrothal among the Jews lasted for a year during which time the man and woman were considered married but did not live together and were not intimate. Divorce was necessary to end the betrothal even though the actual marriage ceremony had not taken place prior to Mary being “found with child of the Holy Ghost” (KJV).

What was the important role that Joseph (part of the lineage that Matthew describes) plays in the story of Jesus’ birth? (God’s message to Joseph was not intended just to save Mary from disgrace, but to save all of humanity.) The angel of the Lord that appeared to Joseph gave him the explanation and confidence to go far out of his comfort zone and believe in God’s wonderful plan. Mary’s pregnancy was the work of God’s creative power through the Spirit. God did what humans could not: He provided the Messiah who would redeem us from enslavement to sin. Joseph played very significant role in this process –not often recognized, albeit a subservient role. A message here for all of us might be to ask the Holy Spirit to be involved in our lives more completely. It is appropriate to say that the Holy Spirit that brought Jesus to earth as a human baby is the same Holy Spirit that resurrected Him on the third day after His crucifixion, and who was given to all of us upon Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:8). This gives two promises in one! First, the Holy Spirit is promised as Jesus ascends to Heaven and Second, it is the promise of Jesus’ Second Coming.

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT

CELEBRATING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

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LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING GOD

Ps. 63:1; Rev. 22:4; 1 Tim. 6:16; Heb. 10:19; Ps. 27:4; John 14:9; Matt. 5:8; 1 John 3:2

We first needed to establish a clear picture of our physical, resurrected life on the New Earth. Having done that (although more to come) we must look forward to the time when we will see God. We now need to approach the topic of our eternal relationship with God with the riches and vitality it deserves. Psalm 63:1 says that God is the one we really long for: “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water”. This is stating that God’s presence brings satisfaction; His absence brings thirst and longing. Being with God is the heart and soul of Heaven.

       We are told in Revelation 22:4 that “They will see His face”. To see God’s face is the loftiest of all aspirations- though sadly, for most of us, it’s not at the top of our wish list. To be told we’ll see God’s face likely will be shocking to many, given what we see in the Old Testament.  When Moses said to God, “Show me Your glory,” God responded, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you…But, you cannot see My face, for no one may see Me and live…When My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove My hand and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen” (Exodus 33:18-23).

       The New Testament says that God “lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16). So, to see God’s face was utterly unthinkable. However, the wonder of our redemption- to be welcomed into the very presence of our Lord and to see Him face-to-face. We are given a foretaste now in Hebrew 10:19; “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus”.

        Let’s read Ps. 27:4; John 14:9; Matt. 5:8; and 1John 3:2

     2.God Dwelling With Us

Lev. 26:11-12; Ez. 37:27; 2 Cor. 6:16; Ep. 1:10; Rev. 21:3-4; John 14:3; John 17:24; Rev. 1:7; Gen. 1:26; Heb. 9:14; Isa. 25:6; Ep. 2:6

 In Eden, God came down to Earth, the home of mankind, whenever He wished (Genesis 3:8). On the New Earth, God and mankind will be able to come to each other whenever they wish. We will not have to leave home to visit God, nor will God leave home to visit us. God declares His truth in the following three Scriptures: Lev. 26:11-12; Ez. 37:27; 2 Cor. 6:16. Read these for an understanding that God and mankind will live together forever in the same home- The New Earth. The marriage of the God of Heaven with the people of Earth, will also bring the marriage of Heaven and Earth. There will not be two universes- one the primary home of God and the angels, the other the primary home of humanity. Nothing will separate us from God, and nothing will separate Earth and Heaven. This is really made clear in Ephesians 1:10- “To bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ”.

       Revelation 21:3- “God Himself will be with them”. This emphatically said “God Himself” because God won’t merely send us a delegate, it will be Him-“Himself”. He will actually come to live among us on the New Earth. God’s glory will fill and permeate the entire new Heaven, not just one centralized place. God’s glory will be the air we breathe, and we’ll always breathe deeper to gain more of it.

        John 14:3 – Says Jesus will return to take us with Him to be where He will be.

        John 17:24- Jesus says: “Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world”.

        Revelation 1:7: Consider the promise that when Jesus returns “every eye will see   Him”. Think about how that will happen!

        Let’s read Gen. 1:26; Heb. 9:14; Isa. 25:6.

“God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” – Ephesians 2:6.

  • How Will We Worship God?

Matt.16:25; Rev. 7:9-12; 1 Thess. 5:16-18; Rev. 5:11-14; Ps. 16:6; Heb. 10:25; John 4:23; Matt. 6:6; Ps. 52:9; Ps. 115:18

Have you ever- in prayer or in worship at our church or during a walk or while sitting on your porch- for a few moments experienced the very presence of God? If you have, it was a great experience, but it soon disappeared in the distractions of life. What will it be like to behold God’s face and never be distracted by lesser things? Over-whelmed by God’s magnificence, we fall on our faces in unrestrained happiness and say, “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” (Revelation 7:9-12). In Revelation 5:13-14 we are told that every nation, tribe, and people, and language will gather to sing praise to God for His greatness, wisdom, power, grace, and mighty work of redemption. In the previous section, we reviewed Revelation 21:3 that told us that God will be with us. That should excite us. If it doesn’t, we are not thinking correctly.

        It should be obvious that Revelation would be filled with Scriptures about God and our worship, but there are many others that give us clear and perceived (read between the lines) thoughts on how and when we will worship God.

      1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God expects us to do other things as ways to worship and glorify Him; such as work, rest, and be with our families and Christian friends to show that we are to be joyful, pray, and give thanks while doing other things.

      John 4:23 – Tells us that God seeks worshipers, but it is not compulsory.

      Matthew 16:25 – Says we will not lose our identity when we see Him: “Whoever loses his life for me will find it”.

       Hebrews 10:25 – States it is unbiblical to imagine that we can successfully seek God on our own.

       Psalm 16:6 – God is our inheritance, but so is Heaven.

       Psalm 115:18 – “But we will bless the Lord from time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!

       Psalm 52:9 – “I will praise You forever.”

  • Worship Services in Heaven

Rev. 4-5; Rev. 1:12-14; Ps.119:89; Rev. 5:11, 13; Rev: 7:12; Col. 3:1-4; 1 John 2:15-17; Rev. 19:6; Rev. 1:6; Ps. 89:1; Ps. 72:19; Ps. 113:2

It is important to note that in Revelation 4-5 there is no one in these passages that are under compulsion to worship God. No one is just standing there, demanding veneration. The whole heaven is rejoicing voluntarily and from the heart. Those whose praises fill the heaven know that Jesus Christ is exalted. He is all in all, and heaven’s in habitants never tire of worshipping Him.  Neither will we. Praising Him will never become boring. If that is true (and it is), don’t we think we should begin now?

      Imagine, moving from earthly worship to heavenly worship without skipping a beat. That is what happened to apostle John, but in Revelation 1:10-11, he wrote, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am the Alpha and the Omega, The First and the Last…”. Then in Revelation 1:12-14, John turned to see who was speaking, and he said, “I saw seven golden lampstands and in the midst of seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, a white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire”.

       Let’s read four other passages in Revelation: 1:6; 5:11, 13; 7:12; and 19:6.

       In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul says that in worship, wisdom keeps us from the ups and downs of the rollercoaster experiences of life. (Paul road the rollercoaster after getting off of his moped.) Let’s read these 4 verses.

       To close out this section, there are 4 passages in Psalms that “sing of the mercies of the Lord forever”; “bless His glorious name forever”; “bless the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore” and 119:89, “Forever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven”. But we will not have to exhort anyone to trust it or obey it, for we will be living in a state of perfect spirituality, for everyone will be saved and forever safe.

GOD’S PROMISE OF ASSURANCE: VICTORY

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GOD’S PROMISE OF VICTORY
There are many times when situations or circumstances just don’t turn out as we plan or desire. What happens- reality sets in! The different picture that develops may be a minor inconvenience or a life-changing event. We are often faced with having to make a decision on something that sounds too good to be true. So what decision do we make? We learned from Luke 11 to seek our answers first from God in prayer. No matter what life may have thrown at us, we can still experience good things from God. God’s goodness and love overcomes life’s difficulties. In fact, God can use those very difficulties to work His goodness into our lives. In the Book of Romans, Paul showed us how God works His goodness and love on our behalf. God’s “no answer” to our prayers will definitely produce greater glory to His name and likely give greater blessings to the one whose prayer got that “no answer”. Apart from greater glory to God, why do we get “no answers”? (Not God’s Will, Not God’s timing, Our request would really not be good for us, or Something better is coming.)
Read Romans 8:28-30
In Romans 8:28-39, Paul ends this chapter by proclaiming the full assurance believers have that God will bring to completion the work of salvation in them and the incomparable nature of God’s love for believers in Jesus Christ. There is much in these 12 verses, we all should go back and study them over and over. One of the greatest promises in the Bible is found in this passage: “We know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (v. 28, KJV).
Notice that this verse does not say that all things work together for good for all people. Micah 6:8 God tells us what He requires from us. “He told you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God!” (ESV). This means that the primary forms of love are justice, mercy, and faithfulness and to respond to His redemption (Matt. 23:23; Deut. 10:12-13). Many people live in an open rebellion against God. Others live in a complete indifference to His claims upon them. To suppose that their revolt works to their good is to propose a moral contradiction. For sin in the hearts of men is real for God. On the contrary, in Romans 6:23 Paul said, “The wages of sin is death.” (all translations).
The passage specifies those for whom the promise of this verse holds when it says, “to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”. The first clause sounds as though the initiative rested with man. That is, as a consequence of man’s love for God, all things work together for good. But the second clause acknowledges that the initiative in our conversion is taken by God. He calls us by His grace and according to His purpose. To God’s extended grace we respond in faith. For those who respond to God’s love with love, and for those who answer God’s call in faith, the promise is assured.
God works in “everything”- not just isolated incidents- for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. Note that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose. As specified before, this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by Him, that is, those whom the Holy Spirit convinces to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in worldly treasures, their security is in heaven, not on earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.
Evil and tragedy are real in the world, and sometimes God’s people suffer crushing sorrow. We must refrain from attributing to the Will of God that which is not true to Christ’s revelation of Him. God is not responsible for terrible crimes; sinful men and women are. They occur because God’s will is flagrantly transgressed. And the transgressing of the will of God can never be carrying out of His Will. Yet God’s love and resources are so great that He can overrule in the tragedies we suffer. Whether sorrows and tears or joys and laughter, He can work through them all to make us increasingly like Jesus Christ. And that is what God’ grace is all about. The larger the family of God’s children, the greater the honor to His Son in being the firstborn!
God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like Him, we discover our true selves, the person we were created to be. How can we become like Christ? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying His life on earth through the Gospels, by spending time in prayer, by being filled with His Spirit, and by doing His work in the world.
In verse 30, Paul bridged eternity past and future with his majestic summation of God’s redemptive purpose. Notice the four mighty spans in this bridge. Predestination is God’s purposive grace at work before the foundation of the world. Calling and justification are God’s grace confronting us and making right with Himself in the midst of history. Glorification is the ultimate triumph of God’s grace in the consummation. Paul regarded our future glorification with Christ as so certain that he described it with a past tense, as though it had already happened.
Some people believe these verses mean that before the beginning of the world, God chose certain people to receive His gift of salvation. They point to verses such as Ephesians 1:11 which say that God “chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan.” Others believe that God knew in advance who would respond to Him, and upon those He set His mark (He chose them). What is clear is that God’s purpose for His people was not an afterthought. It was settled before the foundation of the world. People are to serve and honor God. If you believe in Christ, you can rejoice in the fact that God has always known you. God’s love is eternal. His wisdom and power are supreme. He will guide and protect you until you one day stand in His presence. Remember, God gives all free choice, so we make the choice to follow Him or not!!
Read Romans 8:31-34
ASSURANCE OF SALVATION!! Predestination, calling, justification, glorification; these great terms comprehend the scope of God’s redemptive purpose. Having set them forth in stair-step fashion in verse 30, Paul asked, “What then shall we say to this?”(v.31). His answer has provided the grandest passage on Christian assurance in the Bible. Observe the solid foundation of our confidence.
First, our assurance is based upon the heavy investment that God has already made in our redemption (vv.31-32). As evidence that God is for us, Paul pointed back to the cross, “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also give us all things with Him?” (v.32). Here is a confidence based upon what God has already done, and so it is neither an idle speculation nor an unsupported hope. Golgotha was God’s firm commitment to us, not a trial run (Rom. 5:6-11).
Second, our assurance is based upon God’s acquittal and Christ’s continuing intercession for us (vv.33-34). A courtroom scene is imagined. The question is asked, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?” (v.33).This is a challenge that might well cause us to tremble, except for one thing: “It is God who justifies” (v.33). And none can press further charges against those whom God has acquitted.
If God gave His Son for us, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave His life for us, He isn’t going to turn around and condemn us. He will not withhold anything we need to live for Him. The Book of Romans is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace- it is a letter of comfort and confidence addressed to us. Paul says that Jesus is pleading for us in heaven. God has removed our sin and guilt, so it is Satan not God, who accuses us. When he does, Jesus, our advocate, sits at God’s right hand to present our case.
Then Paul asked the question- “Who is the one who condemns?” Paul mentions four reasons in the verse 34 why Christians can never be condemned (and Paul answers his own question). First, we cannot be found guilty because Christ Jesus is the one who died. Second reason is because Christ has been raised. Third, we cannot be found guilty because Christ’s position at the right hand of God (Heb. 1:3; 12:12). Finally, we have no condemnation because Jesus intercedes for us to God. The only one who could condemn us is actually pleading our cause at the right hand of God.
Read Romans 8:35-39
Nothing can separate us from God’s love. This is the concept and promise that Jesus spoke in John10:28-29. To complete the thought on assurances of our salvation after listing the first two previously, here is the third assurance. Third reason is that our assurance is based upon God’s great love for us in Christ, which guarantees that nothing will be able to separate us from Him (vv. 35-39). After enumerating the various calamities that have assailed God’s people (vv.35-36), Paul claimed, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (v.37). This statement provides the background for one of the greatest affirmations of faith in God of all time, “I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv.38-39). In this sentence Paul included the full range of existence (death and life) and all hostile supernatural forces (angels, principalities, powers). He included all uncertainties of time (things present and things to come) and every each of space (height and depth). Then, lest any source of threat be overlooked, Paul added, “nor anything else in all creation” (v.39).
Verse 38 mentions “angels. It seems clear Paul was referring to fallen angels or demons. Jesus used the same term referring to the angels aligned with the Devil who will be cast into the lake of ire (Matt. 25:41).
These words were written to a church that would soon undergo terrible persecution. In just a few years, Paul’s hypothetical situations would turn into painful realities. This passage reaffirms God’s profound love for His people. No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be separated from His love. Suffering should not drive us away from God but help us to identify with Him and allow His love to heal us. These verses contain one of the most comforting promises in all Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, and even death. These sometimes cause them (and us) to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. His death for us is proof of His unconquerable love. Nothing can separate us from Christ’s presence. God tells us how great His love is so that we will feel totally secure in Him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.

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