God’s Promises
Key Verse
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in him…”
– 2 Corinthians 1:20a (ESV)
Basic Biblical Understanding
We live in a world where promises are made and broken in the same breath. Politicians make and break promises. Friends make and break promises. In all fairness, we’ve all made and broken promises. Unfortunately, our words don’t always mean a lot.
Why are God’s promises any different? Simply put, God keeps His promises. God’s promises are grounded in His character. God is faithful and trustworthy. He is righteous and true. When God makes a promise, we can believe it.
When contemplating the promises of God, it’s good to have a definition, a purpose, and an overview of His promises. Let’s start with a definition. God’s promises are pledges that something will (or will not) be done, given, or happen. These promises are found in the Bible, and they touch on every critical area of life.
What’s the purpose behind God’s promises? God’s promises are about knowing, receiving, and becoming. God gives us promises so that we know what He wants us to know, we receive what He wants us to have, and we become whom He created us to be. Every promise has purpose.
Consider 2 Peter 1:4 to provide an overview of how God’s promises impact our lives. It says, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature…” God’s promises are precious because their value is beyond calculation. His promises are magnificent because they come from a great God, lead to a great life, and make us partakers of His nature and activities. “Partakers” is also translated “fellowship, sharer, or partner.” At salvation, believers are brought into fellowship with God, we become sharers of His life, and we are partners with Him in the Kingdom.
God’s promises include things like spiritual life (Romans 8:9–13), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33), abundant grace (Ephesians 1:7), joy (Psalm 132:16), strength (Psalm 18:32), guidance (John 16:13), help (Isaiah 41:10), instruction (John 14:26), wisdom (James 1:5), heaven (John 14:1–3), and eternal rewards (1 Timothy 4:8). The Bible is filled with the promises of God.
As a word of warning, we must be careful to avoid the practice of promise projection. Promise projection occurs when you really want something, then force your desire into a Bible verse, and subsequently claim it as though God said it. That’s forging God’s name to your wish list. God honors His Word, not one’s manipulation of His Word.
Verses (ask God to to show you how they apply to your life)
“Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.”
– 1 Kings 8:56
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
– 2 Corinthians 7:1
Helpful Questions and Application
Having quick access to God’s promises can make all the difference in your walk with Jesus. If you don’t already have a Bible Promise Book, consider buying one. This small, inexpensive resource will put God’s promises at your fingertips.
Where are you in need of a promise from God? You may need to ask a Christian friend, scan a Bible Promise Book, or do an online search for a biblical promise that fits your need. When you find it, take it to God in prayer and claim it in your circumstances
Additional Resources
Scripture references: Romans 4:21; Hebrews 10:23; 2 Peter 3:9
WordTruth Article:
“Abiding in God”
“Your Way or God’s Way – Your Choice”