SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1218

“Two Promises”

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? – Numbers 23:19

I love the promises of God. Part of my morning devotional time is spent in reading and meditating on a Daily Promise from God’s Word. Indeed, there are many books and publications listing the encouraging promises of God.

It dawned on me, however, that there are two types of promises that God makes. There are encouraging promises that stem from His love for us and there are stern consequential promises that originate from His justice. Both are true and profitable for us.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16

God promises eternal life through Jesus, and He promises judgement for those who reject Him.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. – John 14:6, 1:12

I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins; For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – John 8:24; Romans 6:23

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. – Psalm 145:18-20

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand; So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. – John 10:28; Matthew 13:49-50

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance; For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. – 2 Peter 3:9; Colossians 3:25

The throne of God is founded on Righteousness and justice.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you; All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies; For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense. – Psalm 89:14; Psalm 25:10; Isaiah 61:8

God’s Word in the Holy Scriptures are balanced. The church does a disservice by not teaching the whole Truth of the Word of God as Paul stated in the book of Acts.

Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. – Acts 20:26-27

May you be encouraged and rejoice in the promises of God’s love for you. May you also understand the whole counsel of God’s Word in that He promises salvation and eternal life as well as justice for those who reject Him.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. – 2 Corinthians 7:1