Word of Encouragement (9/1/2020)
Yesterday, we talked about the freeness of God’s promises. Today and tomorrow, we will talk about the fullness of God’s promises.
By “full,” the authors mean “generosity,” both concerning people (who are the beneficiaries) and things (that are promises) (p. 41). Today, we will learn about three marks of fullness concerning people.
“First, the promises are set forth in general to all, with such terms as everyone, whoever, all, and anyone” (p. 41). Some of the examples they give are: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28); “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1); “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).
“Second, the promises are offered to all sorts of people” (p. 42). Again, some examples: “he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great” (Ps. 115:13); “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
“Third, the promises are proclaimed indiscriminately to all together with the commandment to believe (e.g., Acts 2:38-39; 13:38-39; 16:30-34)” (p. 42). This makes it clear that what connects us to the abundant riches of God’s promises is faith.
But we have to keep in mind that faith does this in two ways—our possession and our enjoyment. The amazing thing about God’s promises is that they are already ours—all of them!—the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ. But just because we possess them doesn’t mean we get to enjoy them. One can buy a multi-million-dollar house with a tennis court and a swimming pool and an indoor movie theater, a game room, etc., but never get to enjoy them because he is too busy trying to make more money! For us to enjoy the goodness of God’s “full” promises (which we already possess), we need to exercise our faith to believe that they are indeed ours in Christ and ours to enjoy. That’s what true faith is like: when a true believer hears God’s promises, he accepts them as God’s promises specifically (though not exclusively) to him. So, he gets excited about them; he prays for them; he expects them to be true in his life; and he orders his life, making necessary changes, in expectation of them!
Have a blessed day as you learn more about God’s promises and embrace them as yours in Christ!