Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5467 promises, divine

5467 promises, divine

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5466 promises » 5467 promises, divine

The promises of God reveal his particular and eternal purposes to which he is unchangeably committed and upon which believers can totally depend. These promises are, however, conditional upon obedience on the part of believers.

God's promises are irrevocable

He is absolutely trustworthy

Numbers 23:19 See also Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:13-18

He is unchanging

Psalm 110:4; Malachi 3:6-7; James 1:17-18

He has the power and will to fulfil his promises

Isaiah 55:11 See also Romans 4:21

He is faithful in keeping all his promises

Joshua 21:45; Joshua 23:14-15; 1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 145:13; Hebrews 10:23

His promises stem from his goodness and glory

2 Peter 1:3-4

God may confirm his promises with an oath

Genesis 22:15-18 See also Genesis 26:3; Isaiah 45:23; Amos 6:8; Amos 8:7

Examples of God's promises through covenant relationship

Genesis 9:8-17 with Noah

With Abraham:

Genesis 15:9-21; Genesis 17:1-22; Hebrews 11:8-9,17-19 Genesis 26:3-4 with Isaac

With Jacob:

Genesis 28:13-15; Genesis 46:2-4

With Moses and the Israelites:

Exodus 19:1-6; Exodus 24:1-8 Numbers 25:10-12 with Phinehas

With David:

2 Samuel 7:5-16 pp 1 Chronicles 17:4-14; 1 Kings 8:15,24 Jeremiah 31:31-34 with Jeremiah

The grounding of God's promises in Christ

God's promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ

2 Corinthians 1:18-20 See also Matthew 5:17; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 2:29-31; Acts 3:21-26; Acts 7:37; Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Acts 13:23,32-34; Acts 26:6-7; Romans 1:2-3; Romans 15:8; Hebrews 9:15

Jesus Christ brings superior promises through the new covenant

Hebrews 8:6-8 Jesus Christ mediates a covenant of inner transformation, willing obedience, intimate relationship with God and forgiveness of sins forever. See also Ephesians 1:13-14; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 11:13,39-40; 2 Peter 1:1-4

Jesus Christ has the right to make promises on God's behalf

John 3:34-35 See also John 1:1-2,14; John 8:25-29; Hebrews 1:1-3

God's promises must be received by believers

They are received by faith

Galatians 3:22 See also John 1:12; Romans 4:13-16

They are received by perseverance and obedience

Hebrews 10:36 See also Romans 4:19-24; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 6:12

God's promises unite believing Jews and Gentiles

Ephesians 3:6 See also Acts 2:38-39; Romans 9:8; Galatians 3:29; Galatians 4:28; Ephesians 2:11-18; Hebrews 11:39-40

Disaster awaits those who reject God's promises

Joshua 23:12-16; John 3:18-20,36; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Hebrews 6:4-12; 2 Peter 3:3-10

Particular promises of God in Christ